The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has published an analysis of the main risks which potentially face consumers in the financial services sector over the next 12 to18 months. The Retail Conduct Risk Outlook shows that consumers continue to struggle with the effects of a slower economy, low interest rates and poor returns on investments. The FSA found evidence that many people are trying to tackle this by saving more, shopping around and paying off their debt. As a result, one of the major risks consumers face is buying and being sold unsuitable products – everything from products that are too risky for them, to products they do not understand or that do not meet their individual circumstances.

The Outlook analyses the wider external factors in the economy, the pressures on different firms and how this might impact on different consumers. It is aimed at making sure firms understand, reduce and avoid the risks and is an essential part of helping the FSA target its resources. Supervisors will be working with firms to ensure they address the risks raised....Read more here--: FSA publishes an analysis of the main risks facing consumers