DATA GATHERING FOR IFA ORGANISATIONS: PRACTICAL GUIDANCE AND COMMENT

This paper seeks to analyse the work of data gathering and to direct attention to some aspects of the exercise which might not be appreciated at all limes by the consultant, or even, occasionally, by a regulatory inspector. Nine aspects of ‘the fact find’ are addressed in detail: — the role of the fact find — whether or not the client should sign the fact find — whether or not recommendations should be signed by the client — the design of the fact find — verification of the fact find — specialist situations — the Data Protection Act — fact finding computerised systems — pension transfers and opt outs.