Friday, 17 August 2012 09:26
Suffolk Life updates its due diligence guide for advisers
Sipp provider Suffolk Life has re-launched its due diligence guide to help advisers make an informed decision about using the provider.
The guide was first launched two years ago and has since been updated following discussions with advisers.
Issues updated include levels of capital and profitability, client money and other controls, commitment to the future and disaster recovery plans.
The guide also offers information on Suffolk Life's conflict of interest policy, client communication, legal structure, trust arrangements and interaction with advisory firms.
Greg Kingston, head of marketing at Suffolk Life, said: "Advisers know that when they're recommending a Sipp it could be in place for many years- decades even- so of course they need to be confident about their decision.
"We have spoken to advisers to learn what is really important to them in the current environment and updated our due diligence guide accordingly."
Mr Kingston said it was reassuring that advisers were continuing to carry out due diligence on the firm even if they were already using Suffolk Life products.
"What's interesting is that demand for the information comes from both new and existing advisers. Demand from the latter is particularly reassuring as it demonstrates advisers are continuing to assess suitability after the Sipp is recommended.
That makes it all the more important for Sipp providers to keep key information accessible and up to date.
"Even more reassuring is that advisers don't always accept the information they're given. Many ask for more information and the due diligence guide is often just the start of a more detailed conversation."
The guide was first launched two years ago and has since been updated following discussions with advisers.
Issues updated include levels of capital and profitability, client money and other controls, commitment to the future and disaster recovery plans.
The guide also offers information on Suffolk Life's conflict of interest policy, client communication, legal structure, trust arrangements and interaction with advisory firms.
Greg Kingston, head of marketing at Suffolk Life, said: "Advisers know that when they're recommending a Sipp it could be in place for many years- decades even- so of course they need to be confident about their decision.
"We have spoken to advisers to learn what is really important to them in the current environment and updated our due diligence guide accordingly."
Mr Kingston said it was reassuring that advisers were continuing to carry out due diligence on the firm even if they were already using Suffolk Life products.
"What's interesting is that demand for the information comes from both new and existing advisers. Demand from the latter is particularly reassuring as it demonstrates advisers are continuing to assess suitability after the Sipp is recommended.
That makes it all the more important for Sipp providers to keep key information accessible and up to date.
"Even more reassuring is that advisers don't always accept the information they're given. Many ask for more information and the due diligence guide is often just the start of a more detailed conversation."
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