Stop right there: When (and why) advisers have to say 'no' to clients

Telling clients their investment idea is a 'no go' is a tough job, but someone's gotta do it

Laura Miller
clock • 8 min read

Nobody likes to be told they are wrong. Fewer still want to pay for the privilege. But for advisers that's sometimes the best deal they can ever offer. Laura Miller reports...

Growing up, we are told ‘no' quite a lot. No, you can't have sweets before dinner. No, you can't stay up and watch TV. No, you can't have a £120 bomber jacket even if everyone else is wearing it because in a month's time they won't be and it will gravitate to the bottom of your wardrobe never to be seen again. No is restrictive when we want to be free. Being told ‘no' doesn't get any easier when we are adults, even when it's for our own good. As the field of behavioural economics is increasingly revealing, we are not always rational beings and don't always recognise what is best fo...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Case study: The hidden risk of a single member SSAS without a professional trustee

Case study: The hidden risk of a single member SSAS without a professional trustee

The problem, the solution, lessons learned

Caitlin Southall
clock 30 March 2026 • 4 min read
Salary sacrifice protections overturned by House of Commons

Salary sacrifice protections overturned by House of Commons

Commons overturns Lords amendment to increase cap to £5,000 from initial £2,000 proposal

Holly Roach
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read
 Rachel Vahey: Advisers and clients still need clarity on NMPA increase

Rachel Vahey: Advisers and clients still need clarity on NMPA increase

'HMRC has had years to clear this up but has sat on its hands'

Rachel Vahey
clock 11 March 2026 • 4 min read