Articles - AIFA responds to simplified advice consultation

 The Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA) has today responded to the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) consultation on simplified advice.

 Stephen Gay, Director General of AIFA, said:

 "FSA is absolutely right to recognise that advice that is limited in its range of products should be treated in the same way as other forms of advice and be required to meet the same professional standards. Whatever the scope of advice it should be delivered by someone of appropriate and consistent qualifications and with transparency of proposition and price to the customer.

 "Our concern with simplified advice was that it would be designed in such a way that competitively disadvantages the full advice capabilities the advice profession has as its proposition. We therefore welcome the clarity in this consultation.

 "Consumers should be offered the same level of protection by knowing they are dealing with qualified individuals, have recourse to complain against the advice they receive and are made aware of the charges they will have to pay for the advice.

 "This guidance will help provide greater certainty for firms who are considering their offering to consumers."