SJP directed to waive client's exit fees after 'catalogue of errors'

Ombudsman decision

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 3 min read

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has directed St James's Place (SJP) to waive a client's exit charges after a "catalogue of errors" led that client to lose trust in the advice giant.

Mr B - as the FOS referred to him - complained that for more than five years he received poor advice from SJP and, as a result, wanted to transfer his pension fund to another provider without paying SJP's early exit fees, which typically kick if in a client withdraws their money in under six years. He accused the company of not following instructions and leaving large amounts of his self-invested personal pension in cash even though his profile was medium to high-risk. Mr B also alleged the firm did not follow direct 'buy' instructions, invested in funds he had not agreed to, and prov...

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

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
CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

Number of UK CFP professionals continues to rise

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read
'Nobody is big enough not to be bought'

'Nobody is big enough not to be bought'

Roderic Rennison on the future of deals in the advice industry

Isabel Baxter
clock 20 March 2026 • 1 min read