Financial adviser fees in the UK are not regulated at a fixed level. In 2026, typical fees range from £500 for a standalone consultation to 1–2% of assets per year for ongoing investment and retirement planning.
Types of Financial Adviser Fee
- Fixed fees — a set price for a specific piece of advice
- Percentage of assets — typically 0.5–1% per year for ongoing advice
- Hourly rate — typically £150–£350/hour
Typical UK Adviser Fee Ranges (2026)
| Advice Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial financial plan / review | £500 – £3,000 |
| Pension transfer advice (DB scheme) | £3,000 – £10,000+ |
| Inheritance tax planning | £1,500 – £5,000 |
| Investment portfolio setup | 1–3% of amount invested |
| Ongoing advice (per year) | 0.5–1% of assets |
| Mortgage advice | £0–£1,000 |
| Protection / life insurance | Often free (adviser paid by insurer) |
| Hourly rate | £150 – £350/hour |
Are Adviser Fees Worth It?
Research from the International Longevity Centre found that advised clients had, on average, £47,000 more in pension wealth and £31,000 more in non-pension financial wealth than similar non-advised individuals a decade later. For complex situations — DB transfers, IHT planning, business exit — the cost of advice is typically small relative to the financial outcome.
What Is Included in an Ongoing Adviser Fee?
An ongoing fee of 0.5–1% per year typically covers annual reviews, portfolio rebalancing, tax planning updates, and access to the adviser throughout the year. Under Consumer Duty, advisers must evidence that the fee is delivering genuine value — or stop charging it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Always request a written fee disclosure from any adviser before proceeding.
Do I have to pay upfront?
Some advisers charge an initial consultation fee; others offer a free first meeting. All charges must be disclosed in writing before advice is given.
What is a reasonable ongoing fee?
Most sit between 0.5% and 1% per year. Above 1% should prompt questions about what is included.
Can I negotiate?
Yes. Fees are set individually by each firm and are negotiable, particularly for larger portfolios.
