Goddard: Advisers still don't know what independent means

clock

Industry experts today expressed concerns advisers are still unsure of the post-RDR definition of independence.

During a panel discussion at the Tenet conference in Ascot this morning, Andrew Ward, head of centralised sales at Aviva, Zurich intermediary sales director Richard Howells, PFS chief executive Fay Goddard and AIFA director general Stephen Gay were asked what proportion of IFAs would remain independent after 2012. Ward predicted only between 10 and 15% would remain independent while Howells was more optimistic, suggesting up to 40% will keep the IFA tag. However, neither Gay nor Goddard were prepared to put a figure on how many would stray into the restricted sphere. Goddard sugges...

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

Feel Good Friday: Aviva launches unified charitable foundation

Feel Good Friday: Aviva launches unified charitable foundation

Grant-giving and donation programmes now under the Aviva Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 16 January 2026 • 1 min read
Meeting the needs of vulnerable consumers in financial services

Meeting the needs of vulnerable consumers in financial services

'The dynamic nature of vulnerability can make determining who's in scope complicated'

Shriya Patel
clock 14 January 2026 • 4 min read
Ten firms achieved CII Chartered status in second half of 2025

Ten firms achieved CII Chartered status in second half of 2025

Across financial planning and insurance

Jenna Brown
clock 13 January 2026 • 1 min read