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

Will advisers have to reposition annual reviews as a premium service to justify their fees?

Will advisers have to reposition annual reviews as a premium service to justify their fees?

'Advisers must be honest about which parts of the client book remain sustainable'

Mark Glover
clock 06 July 2026 • 5 min read
MKC Invest backs robotics as physical AI takes off

MKC Invest backs robotics as physical AI takes off

Conducts four-week internal research project

Sophia Panayi
clock 03 July 2026 • 2 min read
Feel Good Friday: Free paraplanning mentoring initiative expands

Feel Good Friday: Free paraplanning mentoring initiative expands

The Paraplanner Club partners with Fundment

Professional Adviser
clock 03 July 2026 • 1 min read