Guidance

FCA softens tone on ongoing advice but keeps focus on value

The FCA’s review of ongoing advice delivered a more balanced message than many firms expected, finding that most advisers are providing the services they have promised. However, while the regulator’s tone may have softened, firms must continue to demonstrate fair value, proactive client engagement and strong evidence of compliance as ongoing advice remains under close regulatory scrutiny.

What happened?

TCC Group’s Strategic Regulatory Director, Jason Wintie, recently featured in Money Marketing discussing the FCA’s evolving stance on ongoing advice. While many firms expected widespread criticism and significant remediation following the regulator’s review, the FCA’s findings were more measured. The review found that 83% of ongoing advice reviews had been delivered, with a further 15% impacted by client disengagement rather than firm failings. Only 2% of cases showed no evidence of firms attempting to deliver the promised service.

Jason highlights that although the FCA’s tone appears less punitive than many anticipated, firms should not mistake this for reduced regulatory scrutiny. The regulator continues to expect evidence of proactive service delivery, fair value and effective oversight.

Why does it matter?

The FCA’s feedback provides reassurance that most firms are meeting their ongoing advice obligations, but it also signals a shift in how compliance will be assessed. Rather than focusing solely on whether a review took place, firms increasingly need to demonstrate the value delivered to clients and evidence their efforts where engagement proves challenging.

For wealth managers and advisers, this means ongoing advice remains firmly on the regulator’s agenda. Future reviews, continued data collection and wider regulatory reform could create further scrutiny, making robust governance, oversight and customer outcome evidence more important than ever.

Supporting sources

  1. Jason Wintie: FCA eases tone on ongoing advice but maintains a watchful eye

Frequently asked questions

Has the FCA reduced its focus on ongoing advice?

No. While the FCA’s messaging was less severe than many anticipated, it has made clear that ongoing advice remains an area of regulatory interest, with further reviews and data collection continuing.

What did the FCA's review find?

The regulator found that 83% of ongoing advice reviews had been delivered, while 15% were affected by client disengagement. Only 2% showed no evidence of firms attempting to provide the agreed service.

What should firms focus on now?

Firms should focus on evidencing fair value, demonstrating proactive engagement with clients, and maintaining strong governance and oversight frameworks that can withstand future regulatory scrutiny.

Reviewed by TCC Group Editorial Team

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