Roger. I think some of that is a cop out.

Of course financial advisors should be able to rely on your points.

But one thing not on your list is an advisor should have the skill to sniff out something suspect and then have the balls (or standard of ethical behaviour) not to support any company that does not alleviate those suspicions.

Joe blogs is quite able to loose his own money - he should not expect to do so when he has taken professional advise.

But at the moment our judiciary seems happy not to provide a disincentive to advisors (and the commercial sector) so i have no expectation that the standards of service and expertise will improve. It Is too easy for those involved to keep clicking the ticket which enables them to prey on the vulnerable and lazy.