A procrastinator's guide to GDPR: Five things advisers need to know

Comes into force on May 25

clock • 5 min read

GDPR's implementation deadline is just a few days away. For the stragglers out there, Michael Osterman runs through five things advice firms need to know

The new EU-wide General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was signed into law in late April 2016 and comes into effect on May 25. That now leaves less than one month to finalise preparations before the GDPR comes into force. At its core, GDPR strengthens the rights of EU data subjects. Companies holding any data on EU citizens, whether they are employees or customers, will now be required to comply with regulations which fundamentally restructure how data is allowed to be gathered, stored and used. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a financial penalty up to 4% of r...

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

Why firms should prepare for the Consumer Duty to be loosened

Why firms should prepare for the Consumer Duty to be loosened

'The pressure to act is growing not just from industry, but from politicians too'

Justin Cash
clock 04 February 2026 • 4 min read
Crispin Odey slams FCA for pursuing 'agenda' over sexual misconduct claims

Crispin Odey slams FCA for pursuing 'agenda' over sexual misconduct claims

Trial slated for March

Linus Uhlig
clock 04 February 2026 • 2 min read
Non-financial misconduct: Is the FCA's final guidance progress or overreach?

Non-financial misconduct: Is the FCA's final guidance progress or overreach?

'The FCA's rationale is clear: workplace culture drives conduct risk'

David Hamilton
clock 26 January 2026 • 4 min read