Sesame remains most complained-about advice firm

Top five firms see small rise in complaints

Tom Ellis
clock • 2 min read

Sesame has again come out top on the Financial Ombudsman Service's (FOS) most complained-about firms list, despite closing down its investment advice operation last year, according to the latest figures.

Sesame received 160 consumer gripes between January and June, double the amount of rival network Openwork, which came out second. The firm also saw the biggest increase in complaints in the period, having received 38% more claims in the first half of 2016 than in the second half of last year. Sesame, which used to be the biggest adviser network, closed its investment arm last summer following a two-year strategic review by parent company Friends Life. It had been subject to a string of regulatory interventions in the past. Today the firm operates a network for mortgage advisers only. ...

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

FCA brings ESG ratings providers under scope for first time in 'sensible evolution'

FCA brings ESG ratings providers under scope for first time in 'sensible evolution'

Authorisation required from June 2028

Michael Nelson
clock 03 November 2026 • 3 min read
Treasury Committee flags potential bank tax Budget leak to FCA and Treasury

Treasury Committee flags potential bank tax Budget leak to FCA and Treasury

Dame Meg Hillier pens letter after Bloomberg article went live at 10:45am

Isabel Baxter
clock 29 October 2026 • 3 min read
FCA stands firm on not advocating for legislative change on AI

FCA stands firm on not advocating for legislative change on AI

‘That is the appropriate proportionate response’

Sophia Panayi
clock 22 October 2026 • 2 min read