The Financial Conduct Authority has published a special banking guide for autistic consumers, set out in an easy-to-read format with a logical and concise structure.
The Easy Read Guide On Everyday Banking is available on the FCA website and was designed by members of the graduate programme.
“Now we have published the guide, the team will work with stakeholders, including The National Autistic Society, to ensure it reaches a wide range of consumers who can benefit from accessing information on financial services in an easy-to-read way,” said an FCA spokesperson.
The guide has been launched to coincide with World Autism Awareness Week to raise awareness of the issues some autistic people face when accessing financial services.
Darren Thomas, managing director of Thomas & Thomas Finance in Haverfordwest, said ensuring vulnerable people understand finance was vital.
“For a financial adviser this is really important,” he said, adding his firm had a vulnerable person’s policy.
“It’s particularly difficult when customers have hidden disabilities, as it is vital the IFA ensures they understand everything and they may not tell the IFA about their difficulties.
"We have put in special measures for those with dyslexia, printing our documents on cream paper in an easy-to-read way and put in safeguarding procedures for vulnerable customers.
"This is a place where I feel small IFAs can really add value, because they can get to know clients and help them accordingly.”
