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The ideas and conclusions within these blogs are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Octopus. They are for general interest only and should not be taken as investment advice or as an invitation to purchase or sell any investment. For our full terms and conditions, please click here.

The Retail Distribution Review

Karl Jentoft - 22 January 2010

Many changes have already taken place within financial services and there are more on the way as both the Government and industry work towards ensuring that there's a stronger framework in place to better serve investors. After the seismic shocks of institutions failing, market falls, economic turbulence, and now the long journey out of recession, it's in everyone's interest to future-proof the industry. One major set of changes, which are still being developed, fall under the Retail Distribution Review (RDR). An extensive piece of legislation, this looks at how products are marketed and sold to customers, and aims to set out protection throughout every stage of the process, from how products and services are described to how advisers are paid, to requirements for their qualifications.

What does this mean for investors? It's going to get easier to understand products into which you want to invest. Everything from the words that are used to describe products in brochures, to the dialogue you have with financial advisers, is going to have to meet very clearly defined criteria if it is to pass muster. You can already see this happening. For example, at Octopus, always being keen to take the initiative, we've already renamed some of our key products, and updated all associated materials including brochures, to keep on ensuring that everything clearly conveys the nature of the product to our customers.

More of a grey area is what the RDR will mean for advisers. Two big changes that have been suggested, and so far mooted, are that they might need further professional qualifications, and perhaps should no longer be paid commission.

While few would dispute the value of continuous development, the qualification requirement is a major area for debate. Many advisers are already highly qualified, and more importantly, highly experienced and trusted professionals. Furthermore, there are time and cost issues around obtaining qualifications which could affect advisers' services to investors.

Similar concerns apply around the proposed cessation of commission payments. Of course it's sensible to have legislation negating the possibility of anyone selling a product simply to obtain commission. However, this change would ultimately impact on investors as, without commission, advisers would be forced to increase what they charge for their services.

At Octopus we've always worked closely with advisers as they are a hugely important part of what we do. We really value the contribution they make to Octopus and we'll be working with all our advisers over the next two years to ensure that everyone is prepared for the changes ushered in by the RDR.

One forum for discussion around the RDR will be taking place on 11 February at the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Octopus director Guy Myles will be chairing a discussion between Katharine Leaman, manager of the FSA's RDR team, and Sarah Thwaites and John Williams of the Financial Services Skills Council. It should be an interesting event and we'll use this blog to report back on the discussion, and any pertinent points that come out of it.

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