Tim Sargisson: Adviser profits up - but not for everyone

Good governance v resources

clock • 4 min read

FCA figures suggest smaller advice firms are a good deal more profitable than their larger counterparts but, wonders Tim Sargisson, does this suggest not enough resource is allocated to risk management and oversight?

Earlier this month, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) provided its latest analysis of the intermediary sector based on data from the Retail Mediation Activities Return. The regulator's key findings show that revenue earned by intermediary firms increased in 2018 compared with 2017, continuing a trend seen in recent years. Reported annual revenue from retail investment business increased by 12% between 2017 and 2018 - from £3.95bn to £4.42bn. Revenue for 2018 is up by 58% on 2014. Despite all the talk about consolidation, the number of intermediary firms increased over the correspo...

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

Greg Moss: 'FIRE isn't anti-advice'

Greg Moss: 'FIRE isn't anti-advice'

Is ‘Financial Independence, Retire Early' the key to winning younger clients?

Sahar Nazir
clock 21 October 2025 • 5 min read
Advisers risk losing next-generation clients as 'engagement gaps' emerge

Advisers risk losing next-generation clients as 'engagement gaps' emerge

Survey finds investors value emotional reassurance and family engagement

Sahar Nazir
clock 21 October 2025 • 2 min read
Only 17% of financial advisers believe younger hires would attract more clients

Only 17% of financial advisers believe younger hires would attract more clients

Advisers under 45 generated largest proportion of personal revenue from new clients

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 October 2025 • 2 min read