Services for IFAs
Technical Advice
Independent, expert technical advice on the regulatory and compliance questions that matter most to your firm — clear answers to complex problems.
When you need a definitive answer
Regulated financial advice throws up complex technical questions on FCA rules, pension transfer requirements, Consumer Duty obligations, suitability standards and more. Getting the answer wrong can have serious consequences. Getting it right, quickly, can make the difference between a good outcome and a costly one.
Verstehen provides independent technical advice to IFA firms that need a clear, expert view on a specific regulatory or compliance question. We draw on deep experience of FCA rules and expectations to give you a well-reasoned, practical answer, not a hedged opinion.
Areas we advise on
FCA rules and regulatory requirements
Interpretation of FCA rules, guidance, and policy statements, including COBS, DISP, and the Consumer Duty, and their application to your firm's specific circumstances. We help firms understand what the rules require in practice, not just in theory.
Consumer Duty
Practical guidance on meeting Consumer Duty obligations, including the four outcomes, the consumer support and understanding requirements, and the evidencing and monitoring expectations. We help firms move beyond policy documents to demonstrate genuine compliance in a way that will satisfy the FCA.
Suitability and advice standards
Technical advice on suitability requirements, covering what the FCA expects, how to evidence it, and how to address gaps identified through case checking or regulatory review. This includes advice on risk profiling, fact-finding standards, and the content of suitability reports.
Pension transfer and DB advice
Technical advice on defined benefit and final salary pension transfer cases, including the application of the transfer value comparator, appropriate pension transfer analysis, and the FCA's suitability requirements for DB transfer advice. We advise on individual cases and on firm-wide policy questions.
Regulatory change and implementation
Guidance on upcoming or recent regulatory changes and their practical implications for your firm. We help you understand what is required, by when, and how to implement it in a way that is proportionate to the size and nature of your business.
Ad hoc compliance queries
A responsive technical advice service for firms that need a quick, reliable answer to a specific compliance question, without the cost or delay of a full consultancy engagement. Available on a retainer or pay-as-you-go basis.
Clear, practical, independent
Technical advice is only useful if it is clear, actionable, and grounded in the real world. We do not deal in vague generalities or heavily caveated opinions. Our advice is direct, well-reasoned, and focused on helping your firm make a confident, informed decision.
- Deep expertise in FCA rules and regulatory expectations
- Advice grounded in practical experience, not just theory
- Clear, written advice notes where required
- Responsive, available at short notice for urgent queries
- Fully independent, no conflicts of interest
- Retainer or ad hoc arrangements available
Need expert technical advice?
Whether you have a specific question or a broader compliance challenge, we can help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements, we respond promptly and can usually turn around advice quickly.