FCA contingent charging ban dubbed 'draconian'

Reducing amount of financial advice

clock • 6 min read

Some advisers have described the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) ban on contingent charging for defined benefit (DB) transfers as a ‘draconian’ measure that could lead to less advice being given to those who need it.

The FCA on Friday (June 5) banned the use of contingent charging in DB advice, except under certain circumstances. The new rules come into place on 1 October.  The ban has been expected since the FCA's consultation on pension transfers in October 2018 and is designed to stamp out conflicts of interest that arise when advisers only get paid if transfers go ahead. The FCA's exceptions to the ruling include clients who may be not be able to afford non-contingent advice charges and are more likely to benefit from receiving advice. The regulator will also implement proposals allowing ad...

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

Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Private markets push meets adviser pragmatism: 'Real shift will come when advisers are empowered, not pressured'

Higher proof-of-value demands and operational challenges keep private markets on margins of UK advice portfolios

Sahar Nazir
clock 19 December 2025 • 9 min read
Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Feel Good Friday: Tyndall Partnerships supports charity drive delivering Christmas aid to over 500 families

Business development exec Lawrence Patrick joined charity The Mehiel Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 19 December 2025 • 1 min read
Why human connection remains central in a digitally enabled advice sector

Why human connection remains central in a digitally enabled advice sector

'It is clear that the sector is moving through a significant period of transformation'

Tim Riseborough
clock 17 December 2025 • 3 min read