Monday, 03 September 2012 09:52
AXA Wealth questions depth of FSA RDR consumer guide
AXA Wealth's Andy Zanelli, head of technical consultancy, has questioned if the Financial Services Authority consumer guide goes far enough in explaining the RDR.
The guide, 'Financial Advice Changes 1-2-3', was published last week and covers knowing what advice will cost, knowing what you are paying for and improved professional standards. It also highlights the difference between independent and restricted advice and how commission will work.
The six-page guide is available to download from the FSA website and copies are being sent to all branches of Citizens Advice Bureau throughout the UK.
But Mr Zanelli believes while it is a "step in the right direction", the FSA should have encouraged consumers to question their adviser.
Mr Zanelli said: "The RDR is one of the most fundamental changes to the way that financial advice is given in the UK in the last 20 years and has some far-reaching consequences for both the consumer and the financial adviser.
"The point in all three areas covered in the guide should be to educate and then to provide some key questions that a client may want to ask his/her adviser."
He highlighted a range of questions consumers should ask their adviser in order to ensure they are comfortable dealing with them. These included "Am I getting value from the cost of advice?" and "How is the cost broken down into its component parts?". Consumers should also check the professional qualifications of the adviser and any specialisms.
He said: "The basic facts of the paper are informative but consumers need to be encouraged to actively question the adviser in order to determine not only cost but also real value."
The guide, 'Financial Advice Changes 1-2-3', was published last week and covers knowing what advice will cost, knowing what you are paying for and improved professional standards. It also highlights the difference between independent and restricted advice and how commission will work.
The six-page guide is available to download from the FSA website and copies are being sent to all branches of Citizens Advice Bureau throughout the UK.
But Mr Zanelli believes while it is a "step in the right direction", the FSA should have encouraged consumers to question their adviser.
Mr Zanelli said: "The RDR is one of the most fundamental changes to the way that financial advice is given in the UK in the last 20 years and has some far-reaching consequences for both the consumer and the financial adviser.
"The point in all three areas covered in the guide should be to educate and then to provide some key questions that a client may want to ask his/her adviser."
He highlighted a range of questions consumers should ask their adviser in order to ensure they are comfortable dealing with them. These included "Am I getting value from the cost of advice?" and "How is the cost broken down into its component parts?". Consumers should also check the professional qualifications of the adviser and any specialisms.
He said: "The basic facts of the paper are informative but consumers need to be encouraged to actively question the adviser in order to determine not only cost but also real value."
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