The public is very confused

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The public is very confused about independent financial advice. But then again, so is the regulator so let me explain.

Put yourself in the shoes of a member of the public for a minute and picture the following scenario: you've just inherited £100,000 and need some advice about what to do with it. You've never had this sort of money before so the choices and options available to you are very confusing. You know that if you go to your bank or building society they will try to sell you one of their own products. In fact, the second the money was deposited in your current account you were probably on the receiving end of a phone call from the bank inviting you in for a friendly chat with an adviser. In the...

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