FCA warns firms on streamlined advice suitability

Suitablility remains "core element"

Tom Ellis
clock • 2 min read

Firms offering streamlined advice must be careful to obtain and understand "all the essential facts" to make sure they provide a suitable recommendation to clients, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned.

Despite offering a narrower scope, streamlined advice services will not allow firms to lower the level of protection due to clients, the FCA warned in its guidance consultation on the matter out on 11 April. However, the FCA said firms giving the service may not have to perform an analysis of all a client's circumstances. They will be expected to have a "reasonable basis" for believing a recommendation meets a client's investment objectives, is suitable for the client, and that the client has the necessary experience and knowledge to understand the risks involved.  Nevertheless, as...

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

Paul Bruns: Ongoing review flexibility and the advice gap

Paul Bruns: Ongoing review flexibility and the advice gap

Changes are still currently only at proposal stage

Paul Bruns
clock 10 August 2026 • 5 min read
How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

FCA released two reports to mark the third birthday of Consumer Duty

Alison Gay
clock 31 July 2026 • 4 min read
Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

'We shouldn't solve one problem by creating another'

Andy Wealthall
clock 30 July 2026 • 4 min read