Armchair Critic: How much should advice cost?

£1k or £5k - or 3%?

clock • 6 min read

Over the last couple of months adviser remuneration has hit the headlines once again and so PA's armchair critic Brendan Llewellyn looks at how he thinks advisers should charge their clients...

Adviser fees are in the news again for shape, amount, or in terms of pre marketing disclosure. And, because there are no universal practices, the subject will not fade into the shadows any time soon. The regulator takes the view that, as price is part of the competition matrix, they should offer a degree of intervention. My view is that shape and amount are a matter for adviser and client but there are certain principles we should adopt. Of these, some things are surely uncontestable. Namely, a client fee should: Be clear As simple as possible given the types of service options...

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

Adviser on crypto: 'I spend most of my time telling clients not to invest in it'

Adviser on crypto: 'I spend most of my time telling clients not to invest in it'

Panel unpacks next gen themes in advice

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 February 2026 • 3 min read
New Talent Alliance uncovers 'inconsistent' advice market data

New Talent Alliance uncovers 'inconsistent' advice market data

Identified ‘serious long‑term talent pipeline risk’

Jenna Brown
clock 10 February 2026 • 2 min read
Dynamic Planner CEO: Cost to serve remains advice's 'Achilles heel'

Dynamic Planner CEO: Cost to serve remains advice's 'Achilles heel'

Updates on technology’s firm AI developments

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 February 2026 • 2 min read