Martin Wheatley backs 'competent' MAS

clock

Martin Wheatley, the chief executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), said he has confidence the Money Advice Service (MAS) is a "competent organisation", though said it faces a huge operational challenge to deliver the free financial guidance promised to retirees in the Budget.

Wheatley, taking questions from the Treasury Select Committee (TSC) on Tuesday morning, said historical concerns with the MAS have centred on its marketing spend, not its ability to deliver money or debt advice services. The MAS and The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) have been tasked by the Treasury to develop mechanisms to deliver free, independent guidance to all retirees who request it from April next year. That followed a promise by George Osborne at Budget 2014 that all retirees would have access to support in the wake of legislative changes giving people greater choice about h...

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 Regulation

FCA urges principal firms to check PII cover

FCA urges principal firms to check PII cover

Regulator finds 10% of sampled firms may not have adequate cover in place

Isabel Baxter
clock 28 February 2025 • 1 min read
FCA to undertake MPS Consumer Duty review

FCA to undertake MPS Consumer Duty review

Regulator recognises the sector has been ‘growing at pace’

Isabel Baxter
clock 26 February 2025 • 2 min read
FCA ongoing services wish lists: 'Advice shouldn't be like a car tax reminder'

FCA ongoing services wish lists: 'Advice shouldn't be like a car tax reminder'

FCA urged to adopt a 'more principled and realistic approach'

Jen Frost
clock 25 February 2025 • 3 min read