Consumer satisfaction with IFAs at record levels

Satisfaction levels amongst consumers who go on to see an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) after using Unbiased.co.uk's ‘Find an IFA' service, are at record levels.

The research, undertaken by Consensus, reveals how a representative sample of Unbiased.co.uk's 575,000 online and hotline enquirers, who then went onto see an IFA, found the experience.

Almost nine out of ten (88%) consumers using the online and hotline Unbiased.co.uk service said they were fairly (31%) or very satisfied (57%) with the meeting with the IFA and its outcomes.

87% of consumers who met with an IFA after using the ‘Find an IFA' service said that they would meet with the same IFA again. Of those who wouldn't see the same IFA again, four out of five (80%) would still use a different IFA in the future.

At the same time - the vast majority (91%) of consumers found the information they received from the Unbiased.co.uk's ‘Find an IFA' service helpful. The service provides an interactive search for consumers seeking independent financial advice. Consumers can search for an IFA by location (postcode), specialisation, qualifications, and gender.

David Elms, Chief Executive of Unbiased.co.uk, commented: "This independent research clearly demonstrates that the IFA brand is stronger than ever and delivers what consumers are looking for- independent financial advice on their personal finance matters.

"Despite the UK experiencing an economic slowdown, independent financial advice remains a crucial element in consumers' financial planning. Our own data shows that consumers are continuing to seek independent financial advice, whether they are looking for help with their retirement planning, investment advice or any other financial aspect. Also, the fact that 87% of those that see an IFA would see the same IFA again demonstrates that the Unbiased.co.uk ‘Find an IFA' search adds real value to our 9,000 member IFAs."