However, anecdotal evidence such as the Panacea online survey featured weekly in FTAdviser sister title Financial Adviser suggests there are still some advisers who are racing to make the deadline.

This guide aims to help advisers address any last concerns, smooth off the final snags and tick off the final few issues. For those struggling to hit the deadline, it will provide useful insight on how much there is left to do and how to address the remaining issues.

The guide examines last-minute qualification options, whether independence is for every adviser, how to demonstrate independence and what messages you need give clients, as well as taking a late look at platform and outsourcing options and how to approach your new charging structures.

Answers provided by the Financial Services Authority; Julie Ampadu, director of Chameleon Compliance; Steve Chadwick, consultant at The Consulting Consortium; Tim Page, director at Page Russell; and Adrian Murphy, associate partner of Murphy Financial.