Suitability reports needed for advice against pension transfers - FCA

Into force from 4 October

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is to press ahead with its plan to require firms to provide suitability reports for advice against a pension transfer despite concerns over additional advice costs.

In its policy paper PS18/20, published on Thursday (4 October), the FCA confirmed plans to require firms to provide a suitability report during pension transfer advice, regardless of whether the recommendation is ultimately to transfer. The FCA said a suitability report would provide a customer with a lasting record of why remaining in a defined benefit scheme was the most suitable outcome for them, as well as offering a record that should help an adviser if there was a future dispute on the advice given. Some respondents to a prior consultation on the proposal suggested the additiona...

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

Non-financial misconduct: Rising expectations and rising exposure

Non-financial misconduct: Rising expectations and rising exposure

'Managers need to know what to look for and what to do in the moment, including when to escalate'

Sarah Jackman
clock 27 May 2026 • 5 min read
FCA must still fix investing culture, says LSE CEO

FCA must still fix investing culture, says LSE CEO

‘We’ve protected people from the downside but we haven’t exposed the upside’

Sophia Panayi
clock 20 May 2026 • 1 min read
FCA increases support for solo-regulated firms

FCA increases support for solo-regulated firms

Scale-up Unit now available to solo-regulated businesses

Jenna Brown
clock 20 May 2026 • 1 min read