The latest FCA action on the BSPS scandal has highlighted the considerable risks for Financial Planners in advising on DB transfers. 

I started my career in financial advice some 35 years ago and have been running our firm with my wife Joanna for the last 20 years as a family business.  We still advise clients that we first met three decades ago. 

When I was in my early teens Friday night was movie night at home. My brother and I would head down to Blockbuster Video and pick up a film to watch on VHS, often recommended by the guy behind the counter.

I have written before about my concerns about the way the Financial Ombudsman Service is reaching decisions in cases involving SIPPs and SIPP investments and the implications for SIPP providers and advisers.

In my article for Financial Planning Today earlier in January I questioned just how “fair and reasonable” are the decisions being reached by the Financial Ombudsman Service - particularly in relation to historic events involving SIPPs and SIPP investments.

In my last article I questioned just what is “fair and reasonable” when it comes to regulation. This was prompted by a recent FOS determination involving a complaint by a Mr T. against Rowanmoor Pensions.

The news of Hartley Pensions appointment of administrators may not have come as a huge surprise given the recent restrictions imposed on them by the FCA but I believe it is of great significance for the world of SIPPs.

When I switched from accountancy to financial advice in 1987 the landscape was dominated by a few very large salesforces.

Confidence in politicians has taken a knock lately.  Perhaps they would welcome the chance now to redeem their reputation and demonstrate they can be trusted to uphold important promises made to their constituents.

This week wealth manager St James's Place announced the launch of a bold new logo and rebrand but I wonder if the coming changes will go deeper and be even bolder?