FCA's 'polluter pays' consultation: 'Wary' IFAs raise questions

Small advice firms may not get ‘outcome they desire’

Jenna Brown
clock • 7 min read

Advisers have given a cautious reaction to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) “polluter pays” redress consultation released this morning (29 November), with some sceptical the proposals will work well for small firms.

The proposed shake-up to investment advice compensation rules, set out in a consultation paper Capital deduction for redress: personal investment firms, and a Dear CEO  will see firms being forced to set aside capital under a "polluter pays" framework. The regulator said the proposals meant firms would be required to set aside capital so that they can cover compensation costs and "ensuring the polluter pays when consumers are harmed".  The plans would mean personal investment firms - otherwise known as investment advisers - would need to calculate their potential redress liabilities "...

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

How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

How considering vegetable peelers can inform your product design

FCA released two reports to mark the third birthday of Consumer Duty

Alison Gay
clock 31 July 2026 • 4 min read
Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

Andy Wealthall: Is there still a place for annual suitability reviews?

'We shouldn't solve one problem by creating another'

Andy Wealthall
clock 30 July 2026 • 4 min read
Why the smartest advisory firms are getting ahead of the FCA on non-financial misconduct

Why the smartest advisory firms are getting ahead of the FCA on non-financial misconduct

'September is a starting point, not the finish line'

Gemma McCall
clock 29 July 2026 • 5 min read