Unsuitable advice prompts FCA U-turn on DB transfer assumption

Concern over unsuitable advice

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has abandoned plans to drop the unsuitable defined benefit (DB) transfer assumption as a result of concerns about unsuitable advice being given in the area.

In a policy statement published today, the FCA said its recent supervisory work had presented "significant evidence of unsuitable advice being provided". In a consultation released last June, the financial watchdog had proposed replacing the starting assumption that holds a DB transfer is unsuitable before giving advice with a statement in the regulatory handbook that, for most people, "retaining safeguarded benefits will likely be in their best interests". Due to its concerns about the levels of unsuitable advice, however, the FCA said: "We do not consider it is appropriate to change...

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

Adviser firm revenue reaches £8.38bn in 2025

Adviser firm revenue reaches £8.38bn in 2025

Adviser posts fall to 37,517

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 July 2026 • 1 min read
Investment fraudsters jailed over £11.5m scam

Investment fraudsters jailed over £11.5m scam

Targeted elderly individuals and amassed 115 victims

Jen Frost
clock 21 July 2026 • 3 min read
Simpler advice rules should not mean simpler client understanding

Simpler advice rules should not mean simpler client understanding

The direction of travel is clear

Elly Dowding and Lee Coates
clock 17 July 2026 • 2 min read