What does an IFA do and how do I find a good one?

An IFA (independent financial adviser) is a regulated professional who assesses your full financial situation and gives personalised recommendations across the whole market — meaning they are not tied to any one provider's products. They typically help with areas such as retirement planning, pension transfers, investment strategy, protection, and estate planning.

Because IFAs operate under FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) regulation, you can check that any adviser you consider is authorised by searching the FCA Register, which lists every regulated firm and individual along with their firm reference number. This is the single most important verification step before engaging anyone for financial advice.

When evaluating an adviser, factors people commonly look at include: qualifications (for example, a CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning is a baseline requirement; Chartered Financial Planner status from the CII or CISI indicates a higher level of attainment), how they charge (an initial percentage fee and an ongoing annual fee are common structures — the FCA requires advisers to disclose charges clearly before advice is given), and whether their experience matches your situation.

Research suggests that how clients choose an adviser has shifted: many now start with an AI search tool or directory, then cross-check on the FCA Register before making contact. Firms that publish clear information about qualifications, fees, and the types of clients they work with tend to be easier to evaluate at this research stage.

For a personal recommendation suited to your circumstances, speak to a regulated independent financial adviser.