How do you choose a financial adviser?
Choosing an adviser is about more than finding a name. Compare regulation, expertise, service, charges and whether the adviser is a good fit for what you need.
Start with the type of help you need.
Financial advice should be personal to your circumstances. These are common areas to think about before choosing who to speak with.
FCA status
Check the adviser company on the Financial Services Register and use the contact details shown there where appropriate.
Relevant expertise
Look for experience in the areas you actually need help with, such as retirement, pensions, investments or estate planning.
Independent or restricted
Understand whether the investment advice is independent or restricted and what that means for the scope of recommendations.
Fees and ongoing service
Ask for clear information about initial charges, implementation costs and any ongoing advice service before committing.
What should you consider before proceeding?
Regulation, relevant experience, clear charges and a service that fits your needs all matter.
Create a shortlist
Compare more than one adviser or firm where practical so you can assess service, expertise and charges.
Ask direct questions
Ask about qualifications, permissions, typical clients, investment approach, fees and what happens after the initial advice.
Check how they communicate
Good advice should be explained clearly. You should feel able to ask questions and take time before deciding.
Make your own decision
An introduction or initial meeting should not oblige you to become a client. Choose the adviser and service you are comfortable with.
Useful next steps.
Explore related Adviser Finder resources or tell us what you need when you are ready to look for professional advice.
Learn before you decide.
Use Adviser Finder's educational guides and tools to understand the questions worth asking next.
Browse guides ↗Find a financial adviser.
Tell us what you need and we can review your enquiry and, where appropriate, connect you with an FCA-regulated adviser company.
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