Armchair Critic: Balancing new and existing clients

Advisers do come out well

clock • 6 min read

When deciding what to include in client statements, providers often just focus on what the regulations require - yet, asks our Armchair Critic Brendan Llewellyn, why not seek competitive advantage from doing more?

As always, look at what people do rather than what they say. We might proclaim that existing clients are more valuable than new ones but the evidence points to a continued focus on the latter. Advisers, though, are much more even-handed - their business is typically based on clients continuing to need their service year on year, so on that model a new client is no more desirable then an existing one. Banks and major insurers might protest that the terms for new customers are no better than those for existing ones. Though, all things being equal, wouldn't you expect terms for current cust...

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 Your profession

Demand for IHT advice surges as advisers turn to business relief

Demand for IHT advice surges as advisers turn to business relief

Advisers becoming ‘more proactive’ in IHT discussions

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 December 2025 • 2 min read
Advisers urged to scrutinise governance when selecting investment partners

Advisers urged to scrutinise governance when selecting investment partners

Governance conversations ‘foundational’ to delivery of ‘strong’ investment outcomes

Sahar Nazir
clock 03 December 2025 • 2 min read
Targeted support could benefit 21.5 million people

Targeted support could benefit 21.5 million people

Royal London modelling shows

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 December 2025 • 2 min read