Advisers warn of risks in 'advice' definition change

Goverment plans to adopt MiFID definition of advice

Carmen Reichman
clock • 6 min read

Advisers have reacted with scepticism to the government's plans to change the definition of financial advice, calling into question whether it would be effective and warning it could even attract more scammers to the sector.

The government has proposed changing the definition of advice from the one anchored in the Regulated Activities Order (RAO) to the one found in European regulation Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) - effectively narrowing the scope of what constitutes regulated advice. In the main, MiFID requires advice to be of a personal nature whereas the RAO does not. The government said it felt narrowing the definition would encourage advisers to offer more people "advanced guidance" services, which they would be able to charge for - albeit fees would be lower than for regulated adv...

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

SDR extension plans will ensure 'uniform standard' for portfolios

SDR extension plans will ensure 'uniform standard' for portfolios

'Retail-focused firms are also facing a short timeline to prepare'

Cristian Angeloni
clock 24 April 2024 • 4 min read
FCA proposes advisers and platforms 'must' communicate SDR labels

FCA proposes advisers and platforms 'must' communicate SDR labels

Distributors also must provide access to consumer-facing disclosures

Isabel Baxter
clock 23 April 2024 • 1 min read
Scenario modelling: Meeting the FCA's retirement expectations

Scenario modelling: Meeting the FCA's retirement expectations

Meeting regulatory standards and maximising good client outcomes

Stephen Ford
clock 22 April 2024 • 5 min read