How much does financial advice cost in the UK?

The cost of regulated financial advice in the UK typically has two parts: an initial charge when advice is first given, and an ongoing charge if you keep an adviser reviewing your finances year to year.

Based on FCA data, initial fees average around 1.8% of the amount being invested or advised on, and ongoing annual charges average around 0.77% a year. Some firms are moving toward fixed fees — a set pound amount rather than a percentage — which can work out differently depending on the size of your pot.

To put that in context: on a £100,000 pension, an initial fee of 1.8% would be £1,800, and an annual ongoing charge of 0.77% would be roughly £770 a year. Larger or more complex cases, such as a defined-benefit pension transfer or detailed estate planning, often attract higher fees.

Under the FCA's adviser charging rules (COBS 6.1A), advisers must disclose their charges clearly, in writing, before any advice is given — so you are entitled to know what you will pay before you commit.

Despite this, research published by Unbiased in 2026 found that around one in five clients still could not fully explain how their adviser charged them, and 70% of adviser firms do not publish their fees on their website. If a firm's website does not show fees, it is entirely reasonable to ask for a written breakdown before your first meeting.

Whether the cost represents good value depends on your individual circumstances — pot size, complexity, and how long the advice relationship lasts all play a part. Speaking with a regulated independent financial adviser is the best way to get a clear, personalised fee illustration.