Alastair Black: Now more than ever suitability is key

What next?

clock • 3 min read

Alastair Black explains how the FCA’s focus on suitability has been underlined by Covid-19 ahead of the regulator’s postponed review of retirement advice

A year of significant economic and financial disruption has highlighted the value of suitable advice. Advisers have worked hard to help clients navigate the upheaval by continuing to put their best interests at the heart of the process. Against this backdrop, the FCA has continued to focus on improving the suitability of advice, particularly when it comes to retirement. While the regulator's second suitability review of retirement advice has been deferred until the start of 2021, its assessment of DB transfer advice continued as planned. Through this work, the regulator is forming its...

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 Regulation

Appointed representatives: Are you really in control of the risks?

Appointed representatives: Are you really in control of the risks?

'The FCA doesn't just want oversight, it wants evidence'

Paul Bruns
clock 06 October 2026 • 7 min read
Manchester City charges: Treasury Committee chair raises tax questions with HMRC

Manchester City charges: Treasury Committee chair raises tax questions with HMRC

As Tax Policy Associates points to potential £12m in unpaid tax

Jen Frost
clock 02 October 2026 • 2 min read
'Waiting for certainty can itself create the breach': When must a firm notify the FCA?

'Waiting for certainty can itself create the breach': When must a firm notify the FCA?

'A voicemail is unlikely to suffice'

Gareth Fatchett
clock 02 October 2026 • 5 min read