APFA urges FCA to cut handbook by third over disclosure concerns

Carmen Reichman
clock

The Association of Professional Financial Advisers (APFA) has called on the regulator to cut its handbook on adviser disclosure by a third, saying too many rules lead to lengthy suitability reports that confuse consumers.

APFA listed about 50 COBS rules relating to adviser disclosure, all of which, it said, "lead to consumers being inundated with information at nearly every stage in the advice process". The glut of rules mean consumers are flooded with information and left unable to make clear decisions about financial products, it said. APFA has already been in discussions with the regulator about teaming up to produce more concise suitability reports, and the possible creation of an advice label. The regulator proposed the idea in its discussion paper on ‘smarter consumer communications' in June, ...

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