You may not have heard about it yet, but the way that financial advisers run their businesses, and how they provide services to you and other consumers, is changing.

From 1 January 2013 the Retail Distribution Review (or RDR for short) will be coming into effect, and it’s important that you’re aware of it and understand how it may affect you.

Put simply, RDR is all about increasing the level of transparency offered to consumers who seek out financial advice and are looking to buy financial products or services. So, whether you’re looking for a pension, tax advice, even an individual savings account or any other form of investment, then RDR will have an impact on you.