Advisers need 'safe harbour' to carry out DB triage process, says Webb

'Huge variation in triage process'

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

The FCA should provide a "safe harbour" for advisers to undertake early-stage conversations on defined benefit (DB) transfers that will not put them at regulatory risk, Royal London's Steve Webb has said.

In March, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published a consultation paper on ‘improving the quality of pension transfer advice' and raised concerns the ‘triage' process - whereby advisers give an initial steer to clients about a pension transfer inquiry - could cross the boundary into regulated advice. The FCA is encouraging advisers to make sure any initial response is purely generic and educational, and not specific to the client's individual circumstances. Royal London director of policy Steve Webb, however, suggested the regulator's plans to tighten practice around triage cou...

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 Pensions

Could AI be the answer to making pensions intelligible for all?

Could AI be the answer to making pensions intelligible for all?

'Not about dumbing down'

Paul Muir
clock 16 October 2025 • 4 min read
Torsten Bell warns pensions industry to 'face up' to its problems

Torsten Bell warns pensions industry to 'face up' to its problems

Torsten Bell told delegates to ‘keep engaging’ with the pension commissioners

Holly Roach
clock 16 October 2025 • 2 min read
Ex-pensions minister Ros Altmann shares 12 potential Budget pension reforms

Ex-pensions minister Ros Altmann shares 12 potential Budget pension reforms

‘Chancellor should aim to change as little as possible in the near term’

Professional Adviser
clock 14 October 2025 • 5 min read