Despite a changed advice landscape, the website has experienced a 9% increase in consumer searches for advice in the first four months of 2013 compared to the same period last year.
In addition website traffic to unbiased.co.uk has increased by 12% year on year. The top three areas consumers were interested in advice on were pensions, investments and tax planning.
Karen Barrett, chief executive of unbiased.co.uk, said: “There has been much debate regarding the question of consumers being priced out of the market or losing interest in the advice process as a result of the recent regulatory changes.
“We have worked hard to prove that advice remains just as valuable and important in 2013 as it was in years prior to that.
“Seeing an increase in consumer searches and website traffic is a clear sign that people are engaging with the advice process and that consumers are recognising value in the advice offered.”
Barrett said the new regulatory environment has definitely created a more level playing field between bank advisers offering advice and the adviser’s unbiased.co.uk list on its site.
She continued: “We’re now seeing people actively shopping around, comparing advice offerings and costs, to find the best adviser for their circumstances and needs.
“Advisers in return are fine-tuning their propositions to appeal to the type of clients that are right for their business.
“The advice landscape will continue to change and adapt over the coming months and unbiased.co.uk will continue to do what it does best – deliver value to its adviser database by matching consumer leads with adviser details, while at the same time educating consumers about the need and benefit of seeking advice.”
