Blog
Challenges & solutions for advisors - part 4 - Regulation
Discover practical solutions to advisors' biggest challenges, and how smart technology can help.
22 July 2025
Evolving laws and regulations are placing stricter demands on advisors, particularly when it comes to duty of care and the shift towards a commission-free earning model. The challenge: how do you stay compliant and keep your services efficient and financially viable?
In the fourth part of our blog series, we dive into two topics that many advisors face daily: duty of care and the commission-free model. What does it demand of you? What does it bring you? And above all: how can you approach this smartly?
Challenge 1: Duty of care
Duty of care isn’t new, but it keeps getting more demanding. Clients expect service, regulators expect documentation, everyone expects transparency, and you're expected to manage it all. So how can you meet this obligation without being buried in admin work? Luckily, there are practical ways to stay in control:
Smart client management
A client portal makes it easy to see who needs your attention and when – whether it’s due to policy expiry or life events. Make sure you spend less time searching, and more time being in control.Set contact moments, automated
Timely, automated emails or notifications keep your clients informed, without you having to manually schedule every step.Digital records to ensure peace of mind
By digitally recording your given advice and previous contact moments in a structured way, you automatically fulfil your duty of care. And you have the data to show it.
Challenge 2: Working without commission
The commission model is under pressure. Regulations demand transparency – and so do clients. But that transparency doesn’t always lead to a positive response, making many advisors worried about losing clients.
So how do you make this transparency financially viable? Consider these solutions:
Service subscriptions
Subscriptions mean that you'll offer your ongoing support for a fixed monthly fee. It makes it clear for the client, and stable for you.Fixed price or hourly rate
You can also choose to work on-demand, with hourly rates or fixed fees for specific questions or advice. This way, clients know what to expect – instead of being surprised by an invoice at the end.A hybrid model
For instance: a subscription for standard management, plus a fixed fee for complex changes or new coverage. Like a transparent middle ground.
Tip: start small. Try the subscription model with a few clients and make sure to ask for feedback. You’ll learn about the possibilities, and strengthen the client relationship in the process.
Legislation demands transparency about your earnings, and so do clients, for that matter. But this transparency can create objections or questions about the costs for your advice. Whereas previously these costs could be factored into premium in chunks, one cost sometimes scares off (potential) clients. How do you solve this?
For starters: make your value clear
Costs are perceived as high if someone doesn't have a clear enough idea of the real value of something. Therefore, it's important to enlighten (future) clients in advance on what you do for them. Explain the different components of your work, and what the risks are if someone doesn't ask for advice. The more tangible your work becomes, the better.
Service subscriptions
Offer ongoing support for a fixed monthly fee. That way, you avoid the one-off fees, and break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. That creates clarity for the client, and stability for you.
Tip: start small. Test a revenue model with a few clients and make sure to ask for feedback. You’ll learn about the possibilities, and strengthen the client relationship in the process.
Reduce costs thanks to efficiency
If charging more isn't an option, you could still seek ways to improve your efficiency. There's still time and energy to be gained for advisors with smart operational solutions. That way, you can serve more people in less time, and grow without increasing prices.
Digitalisation is a catalyst, not a replacement
Some advisors see technology as a threat to their personal approach. But in reality, it’s the opposite: digitalisation can free you up to offer real advice. It’s a driver of more sustainable operations.
Better insight into your client data
Smart tools help you detect risks and changes sooner – so you can proactively reach out with relevant, fitting advice.Let customers make simple changes themselves
Think of bank account or address updates, or even purchasing some less complex insurance products. That way, you can focus on customer cases where your expertise really counts.Admin? Make it smart and centralised
Automatically logging all client interactions and advice in one clear system lightens your admin load. Less hassle, more control.
Ready for the future
Duty of care and commission-free work may feel like difficult requirements to navigate. But with the right approach, they can actually increase your value and strengthen your proposition as an advisor. With smart tools, clear revenue models, and the same great service, you're on your way to help even more customers even better.
Also want to get your office ready for the future? Get in touch with Ronnie, to schedule a quick call!
