Armchair Critic: So what's wrong with value for money?

Benefit ÷ Price = Value

clock • 5 min read

The FCA appears uncomfortable with the idea of value for money but, warns Professional Adviser's Armchair Critic Brendan Llewellyn, it should be careful about what it comes up with as an alternative

The question of value continues as the theme for the year - and probably the next few years as well. My impression is that some are uncomfortable with it. The hasty amendment to the FCA work on the asset management value assessment - CP 18/9 - where the term "value for money" has been edited into something much more general is the latest evidence for such discomfort. Why the edit? Because ‘value for money' sounds like it might refer to price as a more important factor than quality. Value for money tends to be used by brands at the budget end of the market. Would a Bugatti Veyron carry 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

The five-minute complaint and the five-day investigation

The five-minute complaint and the five-day investigation

GSI Group CEO on complaints, AI and the latest set of FOS reforms

Mark Buck
clock 12 August 2026 • 5 min read
Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin: The advice gap - an embarrassment of riches?

Andrew Goodwin
clock 12 August 2026 • 4 min read
New Talent Alliance launches financial advice careers guide

New Talent Alliance launches financial advice careers guide

Designed to attract new entrants into the profession

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 August 2026 • 2 min read