FCA figures show adviser numbers up 6% in first half

The number of financial advisers operating in the UK has risen slightly in the first half of the year as intermediaries re-enter the market, according to figures from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

In July 2013 there were 32,690 retail investment advisers working in the UK, the FCA said, taking into account those working in banks and building societies, stockbrokers and discretionary investment managers. This is within the range predicted by independent researchers commissioned by the FCA's predecessor, the Financial Services Authority, in 2012. The numbers within each adviser category are broken down into: Financial advisers - 21,684 Bank and building society advisers - 4,604 Stockbrokers - 2,267 Discretionary investment managers -1,784 Others - 2,221 Waivers - 129 T...