Advice stalwart on why consolidation is a 'flawed business model'

‘We are in a period of deconsolidation and it will all unwind’

Isabel Baxter
clock • 5 min read

Despite the idea that there is an appetite for consolidation, which poses a risk for small IFAs who could eventually be driven out, Women’s Wealth director Samantha Secomb believes the industry could be reaching a stage of deconsolidation.

The advice industry will move into a period of deconsolidation, Secomb tells Professional Adviser. "It is not showing up necessarily the financials yet but it's showing with the clients." She says she has had conversations with advisers who have been consolidated and are feeling "very unloved and displaced in their new homes". "We have clients approaching us who are not happy with their new provider all the time." The regulator should be questioning business models that take small IFA practices and places them into a vertically integrated advice engine, Secomb argues. She add...

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 Your profession

CII: Vulnerable client management is 'an opportunity for growth'

CII: Vulnerable client management is 'an opportunity for growth'

Firms can expand potential client bases

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 April 2026 • 2 min read
Common language used by advisers triggers anxiety and distrust among retirees

Common language used by advisers triggers anxiety and distrust among retirees

Product-led communication one of the biggest drivers of mistrust

Laura Purkess
clock 01 April 2026 • 1 min read
Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Exploring the expenditure consolidation conversation

Nick Ryan
clock 25 March 2026 • 4 min read