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

Next gen group takes on young adviser shortage

Next gen group takes on young adviser shortage

Hollee Vivian launches initiative with adviser peers

Isabel Baxter
clock 15 September 2026 • 4 min read
News editor's view: The advice profession is getting bigger, but is it getting better?

News editor's view: The advice profession is getting bigger, but is it getting better?

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 11 September

Isabel Baxter
clock 11 September 2026 • 3 min read
Feel Good Friday: Rosemount renews mental health partnership for advisers

Feel Good Friday: Rosemount renews mental health partnership for advisers

Supporting The Global Returns Project, Grief Encounter, FoodCycle and Verve Foundation

Professional Adviser
clock 11 September 2026 • 1 min read