Two thirds of advisers are unconvinced that customers will be better off as a result of the RDR, according to Zurich.

The firm, a sponsor of the Institute of Financial Planning, conducted the survey of 164 advisers in association with financial compliance provider SimplyBiz.

Almost half feared customers would not be willing to pay for advice and just under 70 per cent felt the Financial Services Authority should continue to allow cash rebates into customer accounts held on platforms.

The FSA wants these banned post-RDR but advisers did not believe the argument there would be any customer detriment if they continued.

While research by the FSA has indicated 91 per cent of advisers are ready or will be ready for the RDR by the deadline, Zurich found 66 per cent felt the Treasury Select Committee was right to call for a year’s delay.

This decision was subsequently rejected by the FSA and the deadline remains 31 December 2012.

Some 79 per cent of respondents said they were already thinking about how to segment their business ahead of the RDR deadline next year.

Advisers’ fears should be unfounded though as earlier research by the IFP found that 69 per cent of consumers say they would have more confidence to seek financial advice post-RDR.

Matt Connell, Zurich’s manager for government and industry affairs, said: “The survey suggests that providers can play a strong and supportive role in committing to help advisers. Providers and advisers need to work together to ensure there remains a solid relationship between both parties.”