Does the FCA require specific IT security standards?

The FCA requires 'appropriate systems and controls' - which is deliberately broad. In practice, Cyber Essentials certification, MFA, encrypted devices, and documented backup procedures demonstrate a firm is meeting expectations. We implement controls that align with both FCA guidance and industry best practice.

Can you support our back-office system?

We support the infrastructure - servers, networks, devices, connectivity - that your back-office system runs on. For application-level issues, we liaise with your software vendor. We're experienced with the major platforms used in UK financial advice.

How do you secure client data when advisers work from home?

Microsoft 365 with Conditional Access ensures only managed, compliant devices can access business data. Intune enforces encryption, screen lock, and security policies. We can also configure split tunnelling VPNs for on-premise systems. Data never sits unprotected on personal devices.

What about email compliance and archiving?

Microsoft 365 includes email retention policies, litigation hold, and eDiscovery capabilities. We configure retention periods that align with FCA record-keeping requirements (typically 5-7 years depending on record type) and ensure emails are searchable for compliance requests.

We're an appointed representative - do we still need IT security?

Yes. While your network carries some regulatory responsibility, you're still a data controller under GDPR and still accountable under SMCR for your own operational resilience. Proper IT security is your responsibility regardless of your regulatory status.

IT Support for Financial Advisers & IFAs

Financial advice is built on trust. Your clients share their most sensitive financial information with you - pensions, investments, savings, tax affairs. A data breach, a compliance failure, or even a slow, frustrating client experience can destroy that trust overnight. Fresh Tech provides IT support that protects your clients' data, satisfies your compliance obligations, and lets you focus on advice.

Designed for businesses with 5+ staff who value technology as a business enabler.

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The IT Challenges You Face

We understand the specific technology pressures in your sector

FCA Compliance

The FCA expects firms to have appropriate systems and controls for data security, business continuity, and client communication. Your IT setup is a compliance requirement, not just an operational one. Failing to demonstrate adequate controls risks regulatory action.

Back-Office Integration

Intelliflo, Xplan, Curo, Adviser Office - your back-office system needs to integrate with platforms, fund managers, and wrap services. When integrations fail, advisers spend hours on manual workarounds instead of advising clients.

Client Data Security

You hold extremely sensitive financial data - portfolio values, pension details, tax returns, identity documents. This data is highly valuable to criminals and highly regulated by the ICO. Protection is non-negotiable.

Remote & Hybrid Working

Advisers visit clients at home, work from satellite offices, and attend conferences. They need secure access to client records, back-office systems, and communication tools from any location - without compromising data security.

How Fresh Tech Helps

Practical solutions designed for your industry

FCA-Ready Security

We implement security controls that satisfy FCA requirements - MFA, encryption, access controls, audit logging, and documented security policies. When your compliance officer or network ask about your IT controls, you'll have clear answers.

Secure Remote Access

Using Microsoft 365 with Conditional Access and Intune, advisers access back-office systems securely from any location. Only trusted devices, with proper authentication, from expected locations can connect - locking out threats while enabling flexibility.

Data Protection

Encrypted devices, secure client portals for document exchange, email encryption for sensitive communications, and proper backup with point-in-time recovery. Your client data is protected at rest, in transit, and in storage.

Business Continuity

An adviser firm that can't access client records can't operate. We design resilient systems with cloud backup, failover connectivity, and documented recovery procedures that satisfy FCA business continuity requirements.

Why Financial Services IT Demands More

The FCA's Senior Managers and Certification Regime means individuals in your firm are personally accountable for operational resilience - including IT systems. 'We didn't know our IT wasn't secure' is not a defence. Proper IT management is a regulatory obligation, and we help you meet it.

Back-Office Systems - Our Approach

Whether you use Intelliflo (now FNZ), Xplan, Curo, Adviser Office, or another back-office system, we ensure your network, devices, and connectivity provide the best possible foundation. We support the infrastructure that your software runs on and liaise with your software vendor on application-specific issues.

For cloud-hosted back-office systems, we optimise your internet connectivity and configure VPN access where needed. For on-premise installations, we maintain server infrastructure, perform backups, and ensure business continuity.

Cyber Essentials for FCA Firms**

While not currently mandated by the FCA, Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates to regulators, networks, and clients that you take cybersecurity seriously. Many advisory networks now require or strongly recommend CE certification. We guide you through the process - typically completing certification within 2-4 weeks.

Secure Client Communication

Sending sensitive financial documents via standard email is risky. We configure encrypted email, secure document sharing via SharePoint/OneDrive with appropriate permissions, and can deploy client portal solutions for secure two-way document exchange.

Platform & Provider Integration

Transact, Quilter, Fidelity, abrdn - your back-office needs to communicate with platforms efficiently. We ensure your network supports the integrations your business relies on and troubleshoot connectivity issues that cause reconciliation failures or delayed valuations.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

PI insurers increasingly ask about cybersecurity controls. Having documented, professionally managed IT security (including MFA, endpoint protection, and encrypted backup) can positively impact your PI premiums and ensure claims aren't rejected on the basis of inadequate IT controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from businesses in your sector

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Trusted By Local Heroes

Don't just take our word for it.

"Well all I can say is a big shout out to Sam James BSc at Fresh Tech for literally swooping into rescue🦸‍♂️ my computer from being hacked within seconds. Thank goodness I outsource to companies who know what they are doing."

Carole Aveson

CAA Administration Services