John Porteous: The unavoidable challenges facing simplified advice

It is hard not to look into 2015 without a degree of optimism. The reforms of pension rules will undoubtedly offer choice and flexibility, whilst technology-led innovation around the principle of simplified advice creates an opportunity for firms to reach out to different client segments. At its core, the idea of simplified advice is compelling - albeit, there remains a degree of scepticism as to how business models will achieve their commercial objectives. Furthermore, the underpinning concern that any fragility in process architecture could introduce systemic risk has proven a real bar...