SJP directed to waive client's exit fees after 'catalogue of errors'

Ombudsman decision

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 3 min read

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has directed St James's Place (SJP) to waive a client's exit charges after a "catalogue of errors" led that client to lose trust in the advice giant.

Mr B - as the FOS referred to him - complained that for more than five years he received poor advice from SJP and, as a result, wanted to transfer his pension fund to another provider without paying SJP's early exit fees, which typically kick if in a client withdraws their money in under six years. He accused the company of not following instructions and leaving large amounts of his self-invested personal pension in cash even though his profile was medium to high-risk. Mr B also alleged the firm did not follow direct 'buy' instructions, invested in funds he had not agreed to, and prov...

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 Your profession

Why wellbeing is integral to financial planning

Why wellbeing is integral to financial planning

First Wealth founder and managing director Anthony Villis

Isabel Baxter
clock 25 September 2026 • 1 min read
Talking to each other is the best way to boost financial confidence

Talking to each other is the best way to boost financial confidence

'There's a permission problem'

Sophie Hall
clock 25 September 2026 • 3 min read
Feel Good Friday: Royal London partners with disabled racing driver on equality initiative

Feel Good Friday: Royal London partners with disabled racing driver on equality initiative

Working with Nicolas Hamilton, younger brother of F1 champion Lewis

Professional Adviser
clock 25 September 2026 • 1 min read