Most advisers charge fees

The poll, conducted by RBS Intermediary Partners (RBS IP) at its recent Forum event in Sunderland found that of the 183 brokers who responded, 44% said that they had been charging fees for more than a year and a further 16% said that they had started charging a fee in the last 12 months.

The research also found that 5% were still unsure about it, 9% hadn’t yet considered and just 4% ruled out ever charging a fee.

Steve Carruthers, head of corporate accounts, RBS Intermediary Partners, said: "The fact that so many delegates have already started charging fees or are in the process of seriously considering it shows that intermediaries have clearly recognised the need to change their operating business models and look to diversify. We are committed to supporting our business partners through this transitional phase by investigating with them diversification opportunities and providing them with additional help to get into new markets with things like practical marketing guidance."