The Financial Conduct Authority publishes consumer support guidance
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released updated consumer support guidance for UK pension providers and defined benefit (DB) UK Pension transfer advisers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The organisation warned that providers must still steer clear of giving regulated advice by pointing customers towards specific changes to their investments, but explained that clients should be supported with the information to make well-informed decisions.
Because of the recent market volatility caused by coronavirus, the FCA said it was likely that consumers might contact their UK pension provider to discuss whether the value of their UK pension had been affected, changing pension investments or accessing the funds held in their pensions.
The regulator commented that consumers wanting to withdraw funds from their UK pensions early should still be notified of the availability of free and impartial pensions advice, encouraged to take regulated advice, questioned to identify possible risks and be provided with appropriate warnings of the implications associated with their actions.
Providers were also encouraged to bring concerns up with consumers where it was possible they might make a decision that was not in their best interest, though these warnings must not amount to personal recommendations.
The FCA provided a list of possible risk factors that could be particularly prevalent in the current environment, including sustainability of retirement income, tax implications, charges and investment risk.
Regarding the defined benefit UK pension transfer advice, the regulator said advisers are expected to continue following existing handbook rules and guidance.
The FCA commented that it is likely that more consumers will take advice about transferring from their defined benefit UK pension schemes to defined contribution schemes, but said firms should still only consider UK pension transfers if contemporary evidence demonstrates the move to be in the client’s best interest.
In cases where consumers want to transfer their UK pension against advice they received before the crisis, the FCA stated that firms should consider whether their circumstances have changed and revisit advice if appropriate, though key warnings must be repeated.
There is a real risk that in the present times of crisis, some individuals may be tempted to rush into decisions without taking advice, which might not be in their best long-term interests. The new guidance means their UK pension or investment provider may be able to help identify when an alternative solution may be available, possibly saving the customer from paying more in tax or losing the opportunity to benefit if stock markets rise in future.