Pushing products: Why banks and financial advice do not mix

Few were surprised when Santander announced it was returning to the advice market and many expect that its rivals will soon follow suit. In the eyes of the banks, the advice market is a natural extension of their business as they look to increase profit margins off the back of a sizeable customer base. But despite their size, brand recognition and financial clout, the banks' provision in this area simply does not compare to the value a financial adviser can offer clients.   Priorities Once you throw banks into the equation, there is a distinct lack of alignment between the int...