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Step-by-Step: How to Claim Back Unfair Ongoing Advice Fees

Tuesday July 8, 2025

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Introduction

Think you’ve been charged ongoing advice fees without getting the service you paid for? You’re not alone, and the good news is, there’s a clear process for getting that money back.

You can claim back for any years that were missed.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you claim back unfair fees.

 

Step 1: Review Your Financial Statements

Start by checking if you’re being charged. Look for terms like:

  • Ongoing advice charge
  • Annual service fee
  • Trail commission

Tip: Review at least the last 3–5 years, however claims can go back to 2012

 

Step 2: Ask Yourself, Did You Receive the Promised Service?

Common signs you didn’t receive proper service include:

  • No annual review or check-in
  • No explanation of how your portfolio was performing
  • No contact after the initial meeting

 

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

Collect:

  • Annual investment statements
  • Your original client agreement or suitability report
  • Any correspondence with your adviser or firm

 

Don’t worry if you’re missing paperwork, we can often help reconstruct your case.

 

Step 4: Contact a Specialist Claims Firm (Like Us)

Ongoing advice fee claims can be complex. A legal team like Pacific Legal can:

  • Assess your eligibility quickly
  • Handle all the paperwork and negotiation
  • Maximise your compensation

 

Step 5: Submit Your Claim

We prepare and submit your claim to the relevant party:

  • The advisory firm (if still operating)
  • The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
  • The FSCS (if the firm no longer exists)

 

Step 6: Receive Your Refund

If successful, compensation typically includes:

  • A full refund of unfair fees
  • Interest on the amount
  • In some cases, investment growth you missed out on
  • Compensation for stress and inconvenience

 

Don’t let hidden fees go unchallenged.

Let us help you get back what you’re owed.