On 28 September, investment platforms received a “Dear CEO” letter, following previous letters in February 2020 and July 2021. It was addressed to platforms, but what does it mean for advisers? The FCA uses Dear CEO letters to raise awareness and highlight areas of concern around regulatory compliance and industry practices. This letter raised concerns
(1st published by Citywire New Model Adviser on 10 Feb, 2022 at: https://citywire.com/new-model-adviser/news/ifas-must-sharpen-provider-checks-under-fca-consumer-duty/a237915) Due diligence involves not just looking at the product or service, but also examining the provider and thinking about the risks the FCA has identified. Advisers often call us for help, asking what the FCA actually expects in terms of research and due
Advisers know that suitability lies at the heart of good advice – identifying the client’s real needs and then identifying the best solutions. And identifying those best solutions requires good market knowledge, based on research and underpinned by due diligence to ensure that the solutions will deliver as expected. So what comprises appropriate research and
Speaking to discretionary investment managers on almost a daily basis about due diligence matters I often hear the anguished rejoinder, ‘and advisers insist on having us complete their questionnaire rather than taking our standard due diligence pack.’ I am never sure whether insisting that the standard pack is sufficient is a matter of arrogance on