This year, global markets have been rocked by ongoing trade tensions and uncertainty around tariffs. The UK, along with other major economies, is facing unpredictable shifts in trade policy that have rattled investor confidence. Stock markets have seen sharp swings, and pension funds invested in equities and bonds have taken a hit.

For those in defined contribution pension schemes, where the value of your retirement savings depends directly on market performance, this instability is especially concerning. And during times like these, the role of a financial adviser is more important than ever.

What Should Your IFA Be Doing for You?

A good IFA is not someone you hear from once and never again. They should offer consistent support and clear, personal advice. Here’s what you should expect:

• Regular Reviews: At the very least, an annual review. In volatile years like 2025, more frequent updates may be necessary to keep your retirement plans on track.
• Clear Communication: Your adviser should explain where your money is, how it is performing, and what the risks are – in terms you understand.
• Proactive Advice: Your adviser should not just react to market changes. They should anticipate risks and opportunities and guide you accordingly.
• Personalised Planning: The advice you receive should reflect your goals, age, risk tolerance and income needs – not a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Regulatory Compliance: IFAs must follow the Financial Conduct Authority’s guidelines, ensuring their advice is suitable and in your best interests.

Warning Signs You Might Not Be Getting the Right Support

Many people trust that their adviser is doing what’s right. But trust should be earned – and checked. Watch out for the following red flags:

• You haven’t had a proper review in over a year
• You are paying fees without understanding what you are paying for
• You don’t understand where your money is invested
• Your adviser hasn’t changed your strategy despite major shifts in the market
• You’ve been advised into high-risk investments without clear justification

One example making headlines recently involved a retired businessman who paid over £10,000 in fees over 13 years to a major advice firm but received little or no actual service. This isn’t just a one-off, it’s happening far more than it should.

What to Do If Your Adviser Has Let You Down

If any of the above sounds familiar, you may have grounds to complain, and possibly claim compensation.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Get Your Paperwork Together: This includes investment reports, emails, letters, and anything that shows what advice you were given and what charges you paid.
2. Complain to the Firm: Start with a formal complaint to your IFA’s firm. They have a duty to respond and investigate.
3. Go to the Financial Ombudsman: If the firm doesn’t resolve it, escalate your case. The Ombudsman can award compensation for financial loss, and for the stress caused.
4. Speak to a Specialist: At Claim My Loss, we can help assess whether your adviser failed in their duty and guide you through the claims process.

Can You Make a Claim?

You may be entitled to compensation if:

• You were advised to take on more risk than you were comfortable with
• You were not properly informed about fees, risks, or options
• Your adviser failed to act during major market changes like those seen in 2025
• Your pension or investments have suffered unnecessarily as a result.

In a year like 2025, with markets unsettled by so much uncertainty, the quality of advice you receive could make a huge difference to your future. If your adviser hasn’t been proactive, hasn’t kept you informed, or has given you unsuitable advice, now is the time to act.

You’ve worked too hard to risk your retirement savings on poor service or silent advisers. If you think something isn’t right, speak up.

Get in touch with the team at Claim My Loss and find out how we can help you take the next step.