'Trust and identification is key with vulnerable clients' - Age UK

Crisis exacerbates vulnerabilities

clock • 2 min read

Advice firms should devote additional resources to identifying and addressing the needs of vulnerable customers during the pandemic, a leading charity for older Britons has said.

Age UK, which helps older people access financial and social support, spoke at Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association's (PIMFA) virtual fest about the growing cohort of vulnerable customers during the current crisis. Age UK consumer policy manager Joel Lewis said finding ways to identify vulnerable clients was key for advisers, and that process starts with trust. "Financial advisers are often intermediaries, so getting trust right throughout a relationship is crucial," he said. "Firstly it's about identification. People often don't see themselves as vulnera...

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

One in five consider financial advice to deal with turbulent times

One in five consider financial advice to deal with turbulent times

Almost a fifth of people are newly considering getting financial advice to help them feel more confident amid a less predictable, more uncertain world, according to research.

clock 03 February 2026 • 3 min read
Firm owners 'facing pressure' to make technology decisions

Firm owners 'facing pressure' to make technology decisions

‘AI is framed as something that will change everything’

Sahar Nazir
clock 30 January 2026 • 3 min read

Advisers urged to consider clients' 'trust state' and establish credibility early

‘Trust is built in moments of uncertainty, not certainty’

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 January 2026 • 3 min read