The UK Financial Services Authority (FSA) announced new rules last week intended to improve the clarity respecting the costs charged by investment advisers. Specifically, as of 2011, firms will need to be upfront with respect to the costs of their services and will no longer be able to embed the cost of their advice in the cost of a product. Further, firms will not be permitted to accept commissions for recommending specific products. According to FSA director Sheila Nicoll, “[t]here is a need to reconnect the adviser and client, where one pays for the services of another, and without the distraction of commission. Only then can consumers have real confidence and trust in the advice they are receiving.”

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/Library/Communication/PR/2010/056.shtml