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

Pensions: The overlooked asset in divorce settlements?

Pensions: The overlooked asset in divorce settlements?

Practical steps to narrow the divorce pension gap

Alistair Myles
clock 11 February 2026 • 5 min read
Legacy pensions tech creates 'enormous risk, costs too much and underserves clients'

Legacy pensions tech creates 'enormous risk, costs too much and underserves clients'

'Our industry is famous for thinking in decades, but customers will not wait that long'

Jonathan Hawkins
clock 10 February 2026 • 4 min read
Govt moves to tackle gender pension gap with LPGS scheme changes

Govt moves to tackle gender pension gap with LPGS scheme changes

Reforms follow consultation on access and fairness in the Local Government Pension Scheme

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 03 February 2026 • 2 min read