Why firms will go the extra mile for independence

Most financial planners have long held their ‘independence’ as an important part of the fundamental advice proposition they offer to clients – irrespective of how they have chosen to charge for these services. It is interesting to note, therefore, the comments made in the press/social media channels recently about the economic viability and/or risk of retaining independent status post RDR. It strikes me that, in some quarters, the debate around ‘independence’ has become a metaphor for industry concerns that extend well beyond the basic classifications contained within a client agreeme...