Tackling the biggest challenge facing financial services in the UK

'Trust in financial services is slipping'

Professional Adviser
clock • 4 min read

Dan Russell kicks off a series of columns for PA with his take on how to tackle the UK’s lack of financial capability…

What is the biggest challenge facing the UK retail financial services market? It's not regulation and Consumer Duty, nor is it the advice gap. It's not the ubiquitous chatter about consolidation or the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Far more profound than these is the fact that so many people haven't got a clue what we are all on about, and they just don't engage with money matters. The UK isn't just bad at financial capability. We are shocking in comparison to other countries, and the situation is getting worse, not better. According to the Financial Conduct Authorit...

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

News editor's view: Standard Life/Aegon UK – Another big deal to digest

News editor's view: Standard Life/Aegon UK – Another big deal to digest

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 17 April

Isabel Baxter
clock 17 April 2026 • 3 min read
Feel Good Friday: Chartered financial planner to run Manchester marathon 14 months after knee surgery

Feel Good Friday: Chartered financial planner to run Manchester marathon 14 months after knee surgery

Raising money for a money literacy charity Money Ready

Professional Adviser
clock 17 April 2026 • 1 min read
Inside the CII's Corporate Chartered status pilot

Inside the CII's Corporate Chartered status pilot

What next after organisation trails overhaul

Jen Frost
clock 16 April 2026 • 12 min read