Tim Sargisson: How high can the FSCS levies go?

clock • 4 min read

Anybody who has read Charles Dickins' Oliver Twist should be familiar with the passage in the book regarding the experimental philosopher, who had a great theory about a horse being able to live without eating. The man demonstrated it so well that he got his on horse down to a straw a day in a bid to prove the animal could live on nothing at all. This he was primed to do, however the unfortunate animal died, just 24 hours before he was due to have had his first "comfortable bait of air" as Dickins put it. This, if you like, is the FSCS levy in reverse and I was reminded of this passag...

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

Advisory businesses must 'step up' to attract and retain new blood

Advisory businesses must 'step up' to attract and retain new blood

Clearer pathway to profession needed

Jenna Brown
clock 04 February 2026 • 3 min read
Advice buy-side models have 'clear conflict of interest'

Advice buy-side models have 'clear conflict of interest'

SBG’s Cherrington on common pitfalls and a valuations ‘peak’

Isabel Baxter
clock 04 February 2026 • 5 min read
One in five consider financial advice to deal with turbulent times

One in five consider financial advice to deal with turbulent times

Almost a fifth of people are newly considering getting financial advice to help them feel more confident amid a less predictable, more uncertain world, according to research.

clock 03 February 2026 • 3 min read