Retail Advisers & Consumer Finance

Practical regulatory support for financial advisers, mortgage brokers, and consumer finance providers

We provide practical financial adviser compliance support for IFAs, mortgage brokers, and consumer finance firms. With Consumer Duty reshaping expectations for retail outcomes, firms need compliance frameworks that deliver good client outcomes while remaining operationally manageable.

Our consultants understand the commercial realities of retail advice businesses and help build proportionate compliance arrangements that work in practice.

Financial Adviser Compliance: Sector Overview

Retail advisers and consumer finance firms operate under intense FCA scrutiny of client outcomes. Consumer Duty has raised expectations across the advice process, from product selection to ongoing service. The FCA continues to focus on suitability, fees and charges, and vulnerable customer treatment.

Whether you operate as an IFA network, directly authorised adviser, mortgage broker, or consumer credit provider, our IFA compliance support helps you meet regulatory expectations while running an efficient business.

Sector-Specific Challenges

Retail advisers and consumer finance firms we work with commonly face:

  • Implementing Consumer Duty across the advice and distribution process
  • Building robust suitability assessment and file checking procedures
  • Meeting vulnerable customer identification and support requirements
  • Managing financial promotions across digital and traditional channels
  • Satisfying ongoing service and annual review obligations
  • Supporting PI insurance renewals and run-off arrangements
  • Responding to FOS complaints and FCA information requests

From Consumer Duty implementation to suitability file reviews, our team brings direct experience of what the FCA expects from retail advice firms. We’ve supported IFA networks, directly authorised advisers, and mortgage intermediaries through regulatory change, complaint handling, and business expansion.

We help firms tackle these sector challenges proactively, reducing risk and improving operational confidence.

PRACTICAL COMPLIANCE SUPPORT

Day-to-day regulatory guidance, compliance troubleshooting, and expert technical support. Receive financial adviser compliance support from consultants who understand the commercial realities of retail advice businesses.

We provide practical help for compliance teams, senior leaders, and firms seeking authorisation or ongoing regulatory peace of mind.

Our advice is always practical, proportionate, and rooted in regulatory reality – ensuring that compliance becomes a source of confidence, not complexity.

RESOURCES

Recent insights and articles for retail advisers and consumer finance

FCA Standing Data: Your Annual Compliance Reminder and What Happens If You Miss It

Discover the importance of updating your standing data for FCA compliance. Understand your regulatory obligations and implications.

Understanding FCA and PRA Fee Blocks

Understand Fee Blocks and their role in the FCA and PRA's funding allocation for authorised firms in the UK.

2026 Regulatory Priorities

Stay ahead of 2026 regulatory priorities. Discover practical guidance from Leaman Crellin to manage 2026 compliance challenges for your firm.

ESMA 2026 Work Programme: What Regulated Firms Need to Know

Explore the ESMA 2026 work programme and its "landmark" reforms. Essential insights from Leaman Crellin for your firm's compliance plans.

Top Tips for Strengthening Your Market Abuse Risk Assessment 

Explore top tips for strengthening your market abuse risk assessment and ensure compliance with regulatory expectations.

client categorisation: beware the tick box, follow the facts

client categorisation
Explore how UK COBS rules classify clients, with Retail Clients receiving the highest protection due to limited investment experience.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s discuss how we can support your business.