It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it

clock •

It seems there are few in the industry willing to talk about it but a major regulatory deadline passed last Friday: firms' implementation date for the treating customers fairly (TCF) regime.

Until now, whenever I’ve asked an adviser what TCF actually means, firms have tended to respond by arguing everything it does is with the customer in mind so the new layer of regulation has had little impact on their businesses. However, a fresh perspective on the subject has left me wondering whether intermediary firms really understand what the FSA was looking for at implementation stage. Despite the work firms have to have done to show every aspect of their business process is TCF-compliant, it seems the real aim of treating customers fairly is to change the culture and behaviour of th...

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

Andrew Tully: Immediate priorities for advisers following 'mixed picture' Budget

Andrew Tully: Immediate priorities for advisers following 'mixed picture' Budget

'Taken together, the Budget measures reinforce the importance of financial planning'

Andrew Tully
clock 29 October 2026 • 4 min read
Budget 26: Initial relief from advisers turns to 'irritation at the detail'

Budget 26: Initial relief from advisers turns to 'irritation at the detail'

Tax rises ‘aimed at thrift and capital’

Sophia Panayi
clock 29 October 2026 • 4 min read
Budget 26: Savings income tax rate to rise to 44% for higher earners

Budget 26: Savings income tax rate to rise to 44% for higher earners

From April 2027

clock 29 October 2026 • 2 min read