Reducing the greys of client ownership

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There have been a few developments recently which have put the spotlight on the relationship between the client and the adviser and, more specifically, ownership of the client between the provider and the adviser.

It’s always been a tricky subject to tackle given there are some in the industry who believe the ‘agency’ position between client, adviser and provider is distorted by the use of commission. But there may at last be some clarity emerging to clean up the status of advisers in this complex minefield. There has been action by the Association of IFAs, for example, challenging Standard Life’s decision to suggest the advice given to clients by financial advisers could be wrong. And it seems an agreement has been reached which will see Standard Life withdraw a declaration form essentially asking...

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