Why it is time to clamp down on industry jargon

Keeping it short and sweet

clock • 3 min read

Lawrence Gosling can't stand jargon (even when it comes to football). Shorthand between industry professionals is fine but do we need to subject clients to acronym overload?

Do you know what CDM or CAM stands for? They are jargon, which is a particular bug-bear of mine. I wish the FCA could do something about their use but, sadly, it cannot. Rather boringly, CDM stands for central-defensive midfielder, and CAM stands for central-attacking midfielder. They are acronyms for what old fogeys like me used to call midfielders in the days before the Premiership. My point is a simple one as far as the use of financial services jargon goes. Most industries and sectors have their own 'jargon' or acronyms - even something as widespread as football. My son talks a...

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

Sector divided on Reeves' pullback on Cash ISA reform

Sector divided on Reeves' pullback on Cash ISA reform

‘A big win for defenders of a broken system’

Sorin Dojan
clock 11 July 2025 • 2 min read
FCA flags progress on internal DEI targets and urges action on Consumer Duty

FCA flags progress on internal DEI targets and urges action on Consumer Duty

According to the FCA report 2024-2025

Sahar Nazir
clock 11 July 2025 • 2 min read
FCA reviewing client categorisation rules to distinguish retail investors from the pack

FCA reviewing client categorisation rules to distinguish retail investors from the pack

Goal of 40 more initiatives to be completed by year end

Eve Maddock-Jones
clock 10 July 2025 • 2 min read