Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Visit a few. The more thought you put into your finances and the more you research the financial products available before you consult an adviser, the more chance you have of spotting a good one. Financial advice regulations People who give investment advice have to pass exams and meet standards of training and competence set by the financial regulators. And before they give you any advice, they must make it clear to you whether they are independent advisers or sales representatives tied to one or more companies.
Advisers also have to 'know their customers'.
They have to find out all the relevant information about your circumstances and what you want to get out of your investment plan. They must use the information they gather to give you 'best advice' about products that are suitable for your requirements. People giving advice on most investments are governed by the Financial Services Act 1986. This means that there are rules about how investment products are sold, and in most cases your money is protected if something goes wrong. However, there are situations when the Financial Services Act won't fully protect you - most importantly if you decide not to take advice before buying an investment product.