Hornbuckle Mitchell is calling on Sipp providers to be more transparent with their capital adequacy reserves as advisers focus on the financial stability of their chosen product providers.
The Sipp and Ssas specialist believes it is crucial that advisers have confidence in the provider they choose to work with and evidence of a strong balance sheet would offer reassurance.
Director Mary Stewart said: "We are calling on Sipp providers to disclose their capital reserves so advisers can carry out the most thorough due diligence processes.
"Advisers are increasingly looking for financial stability in their provider, especially in times of market volatility, and it is crucial that the industry works hard to instill confidence.
"Any provider reluctant to disclose their capital adequacy figure should immediately raise red flags in the mind of an adviser as it begs the question; what are they hiding?"
Hornbuckle Mitchell has increased its own cash reserves to four times the required capital adequacy amount.
It has £4m in cash reserves; the equivalent of 24 weeks' expenditure. Current rules dictate a minimum of just six weeks' working capital, which the pension provider deems to be insufficient.
Ms Stewart said: "We believe the FSA's current minimum capital requirement is too low and we understand that they are looking to raise the figure. We would welcome an upward revision."
Hornbuckle Mitchell is a sponsor of the Institute of Financial Planning and recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Hornbuckle Mitchell urges Sipp firms to be more transparent on reserves
