Europe Economics’ final ‘phase 1’ report on the impacts of the RDR, published today (16 December), stated that while the RDR’s core objectives have been met, there was not yet evidence of an overall fall in costs or of consumer benefits arising out of the new rules.
It did, however, point to key policy successes, such as the move away from commission-paying products which the authors say points to bias being removed, a move to professionalism and even advisers exceeding the minimum level four requirement, and downward product price pressure.
Speaking to FTAdviser, David Geale, head of FCA policy and the man often credited as the architect of the RDR, said it was “early days” and that there are “encouraging signs” the rule changes have benefited consumers.
He said: “It will take time for them to fully bed in, but the pattern of product sales have changed. We have seen changes to product fees, different services so there are changes to adviser charges.”
Nick Poyntz-Wright, the regulator’s director of long-term savings and pensions, added that NMG consumer research carried out with over 1,000 respondents, published alongside today’s reports, also painted a positive picture.
“The research does show quite clearly that consumers trust the adviser that they have chosen and they value the advice they are getting. What is less clear is whether they understand precisely what that service entails and exactly what it is costing them, but those would be the signs of a more mature marketplace.
“None of us really would have expected at this stage that the consumer would actually be able to explain the ‘ins and outs’ of RDR; standards have improved and the consumer feels they are getting a good level of service from an adviser that they trust.
“These are indicative findings as it’s a longer journey.”
The post-implementation report found charges for retail investment products have been falling post-RDR, although it also found evidence that the cost of advice has increased. In some cases this more than offset the decreases elsewhere.
When it comes to the total cost of investment or the benefit to consumers from the advice received, the report notes that “the evidence does not yet enable us to draw firm conclusions as to whether this has changed post-RDR”.
