Guide · Pensions
How to choose a pension adviser
A pension adviser should fit the decision you are making, not simply have 'pensions' somewhere on a services page.
Start with the pension decision
Consolidation, retirement income, drawdown, annuities and defined benefit transfers can involve very different advice needs. Define the problem before comparing advisers.
Ask about relevant experience
Case typeHow often does the adviser work on situations like yours?
Client sizeIs your pension value a normal client size for the firm?
Retirement planningDoes the service cover the wider retirement plan or only one transaction?
Ongoing serviceIf ongoing advice is proposed, what is the adviser responsible for each year?
Check regulation and scope
Verify the adviser or firm on the FCA Register and understand whether the advice is independent or restricted where relevant to the service.
Compare fees in pounds
Ask for year-one and ongoing cash amounts and distinguish adviser charges from platform and investment costs.
Sources & further reading