IFA

IFA is an acronym for an independent financial advisor. There are two kinds of advisers working in the financial area, with the other being a restricted adviser.

There are many advantages to seeking advice from an IFA. The clue to the main advantage is in the name: They are independent and not attached to any lender or business. This means they can cover the whole market rather than just part of it. If you sought advice from a restricted adviser, they would only be able to recommend a limited range of products. These products would be ones from whichever lenders they are attached to.

An IFA is the best person to go to if you are looking to buy any type of financial product such as a mortgage, a loan, or a pension. You can be sure they will discuss your needs with you and then review everything on the market to identify the best options. They can usually find deals and offers that are not well known. It is easy enough to source products such as mortgages from banks and building societies you’ve heard of. However, an IFA will provide you with information about many other options too – and your ideal loan could be among them.

There are fees involved in using the services provided by an independent financial adviser. You should make sure you are clear about these before you start. You can usually get the first meeting free of charge, but make sure this is the case before you visit. After that, you could pay an hourly fee, a fixed fee covering the services you require, or a percentage fee relating to the value of the product they help you find.

About the author:

The Mortgage Broker

The Mortgage Broker is an award-winning UK mortgage and protection specialist with decades of experience helping thousands of customers secure suitable and affordable mortgage solutions. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all advisers are minimum CeMAP-qualified and known for delivering clear, transparent, and expert guidance whether helping first-time buyers, home movers, remortgage clients or those with complex or adverse-credit needs. Recognised as a finalist at the Mortgage Strategy Awards 2025, The Mortgage Broker combines digital speed with human trust, offering access to over 130 lenders and more than 25,000 products. The company’s app, secure client portal and easy-to-use tools make it simple for customers to compare rates, track progress, and stay informed from start to finish. With more than 2,500 verified five-star Trustpilot reviews, clients consistently praise the firm’s professionalism, value for money, and personal service. Reviews highlight the team’s ability to explain complex mortgage and protection topics in plain English, providing support throughout the entire journey. The company’s reputation for knowledge, empathy, and reliability has made it one of the UK’s most trusted brokers, delivering advice that is honest, transparent, and tailored to each individual’s financial goals. Every part of The Mortgage Broker’s service reflects Google’s E-E-A-T principles: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Its team has decades of hands-on industry knowledge, proven technical expertise, and national recognition supported by awards, media features, and verified customer feedback. As an FCA-regulated firm with a 5-star reputation, The Mortgage Broker stands for no-nonsense advice, common-sense lending, and exceptional customer outcomes — setting the standard for trusted mortgage advice across the UK.