FCA stops short of introducing standardised fact finds

Process too complex

Carmen Reichman
clock • 3 min read

The regulator will not introduce a mandatory standardised fact find process, despite industry concern about the cost of assessing client suitability.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it had consulted with a range of firms and trade bodies in its work on standardising client information but had concluded the challenges involved in designing an effective process outweighed the potential benefits. Firms had told the regulator as part of its Financial Advice Market Review (FAMR) they would value more clarity on the extent to which they could rely on ‘standardised' client information from third parties to help them make a suitability assessment. They suggested this would help reduce some of the costs associated with providing ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

What the FCA's Mills review means for financial services

What the FCA's Mills review means for financial services

Regulatory expectations will need to evolve as AI becomes more autonomous

Jessica Caws and Cheryl Tham
clock 07 September 2026 • 6 min read
AI and compliance: Charging for advice or administration?

AI and compliance: Charging for advice or administration?

Efficiency doesn't remove accountability

Gareth Fatchett
clock 03 September 2026 • 3 min read
FCA warns of Flagstone clone

FCA warns of Flagstone clone

Notice issued to alert consumers

Jenna Brown
clock 03 September 2026 • 3 min read