Advisers need 'safe harbour' to carry out DB triage process, says Webb

'Huge variation in triage process'

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

The FCA should provide a "safe harbour" for advisers to undertake early-stage conversations on defined benefit (DB) transfers that will not put them at regulatory risk, Royal London's Steve Webb has said.

In March, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published a consultation paper on ‘improving the quality of pension transfer advice' and raised concerns the ‘triage' process - whereby advisers give an initial steer to clients about a pension transfer inquiry - could cross the boundary into regulated advice. The FCA is encouraging advisers to make sure any initial response is purely generic and educational, and not specific to the client's individual circumstances. Royal London director of policy Steve Webb, however, suggested the regulator's plans to tighten practice around triage cou...

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

First three firms complete pensions dashboards ecosystem connection

First three firms complete pensions dashboards ecosystem connection

Heywood, L&G and Pension Fusion have completed final stages required to connect

Holly Roach
clock 05 March 2025 • 3 min read
Post-Budget IHT planning: Gifting options in light of pension changes

Post-Budget IHT planning: Gifting options in light of pension changes

Withdrawals need to be spent, sheltered or gifted

Andrew Tully
clock 03 March 2025 • 4 min read
Pension transfers: Transparency vital in push to raise standards

Pension transfers: Transparency vital in push to raise standards

A glass half full for pension transfers?

Anthony Rafferty
clock 28 February 2025 • 3 min read