Tuesday, 16 December 2014 09:39
End simplified advice "paralysis" MacKay tells FCA
The FCA must "roll its sleeves up" to end the "paralysis" being caused by firms' fears over simplified advice, the Platforum's founder says.
Holly MacKay said there were a number of issues she believes still need to be addressed surrounding retirement options and the new guidance service with only four months before key changes take effect.
Ms MacKay, who recently left the Platforum to set up a new website venture, said the Government's guidance service can not afford to fail.
She told Financial Planner Online she has been impressed with what she has seen at The Pensions Advisory Service, which will deliver the telephone based side of the guidance.
She said this was "a good first step" but stressed "there will be many people who need more detailed help".
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Ms MacKay, who now operates as an investment writer for her new site, said: "This is where we need greater clarity around simplified advice – I really think we need the FCA to roll its sleeves up and practically address the fear firms have in this area which is causing paralysis.
"We also need to work out how adviser firms can profitably and compliantly run on a model which offers customers access to advice packages with fixed costs attached.
"If we believe that key decisions taken about pensions at retirement are the most complex questions many will face, then what role do employers and/or providers have in wearing part of the cost of an at retirement advice package?"
She also believes there is "an ingrained fear" about the concept of generic advice.
This needs to be questioned, she said, asking: "Are rules of thumb better than nothing? Is steering people to a shortlist of 10 independently rated providers worse than doing nothing because we're too frightened of Canary Wharf?"
She said: "Economic realities mean there will be a limited market for full financial advice but this doesn't mean we should give up when it comes to thinking about how we can responsibly offer people other guidance and ideas."
Asked how she sees the platform sector developing over the next few years, she said: " In the advice space, platforms are becoming low-margin businesses which could even become costs-centres. It will be all about scale, size, brand and wrapping up your platform with your investment management solutions. I'm sure many of the larger platform providers will also take on their own restricted advisers. So the whole idea of splitting up manufacturing from administration from advice will be turned on its head. For 10 years and then we'll probably go back again."
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Holly MacKay said there were a number of issues she believes still need to be addressed surrounding retirement options and the new guidance service with only four months before key changes take effect.
Ms MacKay, who recently left the Platforum to set up a new website venture, said the Government's guidance service can not afford to fail.
She told Financial Planner Online she has been impressed with what she has seen at The Pensions Advisory Service, which will deliver the telephone based side of the guidance.
She said this was "a good first step" but stressed "there will be many people who need more detailed help".
{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}
Ms MacKay, who now operates as an investment writer for her new site, said: "This is where we need greater clarity around simplified advice – I really think we need the FCA to roll its sleeves up and practically address the fear firms have in this area which is causing paralysis.
"We also need to work out how adviser firms can profitably and compliantly run on a model which offers customers access to advice packages with fixed costs attached.
"If we believe that key decisions taken about pensions at retirement are the most complex questions many will face, then what role do employers and/or providers have in wearing part of the cost of an at retirement advice package?"
She also believes there is "an ingrained fear" about the concept of generic advice.
This needs to be questioned, she said, asking: "Are rules of thumb better than nothing? Is steering people to a shortlist of 10 independently rated providers worse than doing nothing because we're too frightened of Canary Wharf?"
She said: "Economic realities mean there will be a limited market for full financial advice but this doesn't mean we should give up when it comes to thinking about how we can responsibly offer people other guidance and ideas."
Asked how she sees the platform sector developing over the next few years, she said: " In the advice space, platforms are becoming low-margin businesses which could even become costs-centres. It will be all about scale, size, brand and wrapping up your platform with your investment management solutions. I'm sure many of the larger platform providers will also take on their own restricted advisers. So the whole idea of splitting up manufacturing from administration from advice will be turned on its head. For 10 years and then we'll probably go back again."
Get FREE daily news summaries direct to your inbox. Sign up on the homepage now.
Follow us on Twitter and get frequent news alerts @FPM_online.
Or follow Editor Kevin O'Donnell - @FPM_Kevin or staff writer James Nadal - @FPM_James.
For the latest Sipp, SSAS and retirement news visit our sister news site www.sippsprofessional.co.uk and on Twitter @SippsPro.
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