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Editorial Guidelines
At BankingTimes, we help people over 60 make informed and confident financial decisions.
Every article we publish follows a transparent editorial process built on accuracy, independence, and fairness, ensuring readers clearly understand the benefits and risks of financial products.
This page is regularly reviewed for accuracy.
Last Reviewed: 16 Jul 2025
How We Keep Content Accurate
To keep our content trustworthy and up to date, we follow these editorial standards:
Every article is fact-checked for accuracy.
We work with qualified writers and reviewers.
Content updates every 6–12 months or sooner.
Jump to a Section
Prefer to explore a specific part of our editorial process? Use the quick links below.
Editorial Guidelines – An overview of the standards and values that guide every article we publish.
Fact Checking Policy – How we verify information to make sure it’s accurate, current, and reliable.
Content Review Process – Details on who reviews our content, and how we ensure expert oversight.
How We Make Money – Understand how BankingTimes is funded and how it affects our recommendations.
Ad & Affiliate Disclosure – A clear explanation of when and how we may earn through links or ads.
Update Policy – Learn how often we review and update our content to keep it relevant.
Report an Error – Let us know if you’ve spotted something incorrect or unclear on the site. If material errors are found, we update and disclose them within 48 hours.
Our Fact Checking Policy
At BankingTimes, we take the accuracy of our content seriously, especially when it comes to financial topics that impact your life savings or retirement.
To protect our readers, we align with FCA, ASA, GDPR, and Equity Release Council standards to ensure that all information we publish is accurate, transparent, and not misleading.
We regularly review guidance from the FCA Handbook (FG15/4 and FG21/1) and related UK advertising standards to ensure that our content helps consumers make well-informed choices.
We only use sources that are trustworthy, transparent, and authoritative. This includes:
FCA-regulated providers.
Government and legal websites (e.g. gov.uk, FCA, MoneyHelper).
Academic or actuarial research.
Peer-reviewed industry data.
For regulated or complex topics (like SIPP rules or equity release), we consult professionals such as:
Chartered financial planners.
Solicitors and compliance consultants.
Mortgage or equity release advisers.
Pension and retirement specialists.
Our Content Review Process
Each article on BankingTimes goes through a multi-step review to make sure it’s accurate, balanced, and clear, especially when covering financial products that affect retirement planning.
Reviewed by Experienced Editors
Expert Input Where Needed
Re-reviewed During Content Updates
Checked Against Reliable Sources
How BankingTimes Makes Money
Our content is free to access and supported by affiliate and referral partnerships. When you click a link, complete an enquiry, or speak to one of our FCA-regulated partners, we may receive a commission or referral fee.
This does not influence the advice or opinions in our articles, our experts do not receive individual commissions, and editorial and commercial teams are kept separate.
Affiliate & Referral Links
Some pages include links to third-party companies. If you take action, like requesting a quote or booking a call, we may earn a referral fee. These links come at no extra cost to you.
We Only Recommend Trusted Partners
We only work with companies that meet our standards. That means FCA-authorised, experienced providers with a strong track record and clear customer protections.
Money Never Affects What We Say
No provider can pay to change our editorial content. Recommendations are based on what’s best for our readers — not our partners.
We Disclose When It Matters
Any page that includes affiliate or commercial content clearly says so. We believe in full transparency at every step.
Ad & Affiliate Disclosure
We Earn from Referrals: Some links on BankingTimes take you to FCA-regulated or vetted partners. If you enquire or apply, we may receive a commission or referral fee.
Clear Labelling: Affiliate or sponsored pages include a clear notice at the top of each article, ensuring transparency before you read.
Editorial Independence: Companies cannot pay to influence our content. All advice is written for readers’ best interests, not advertisers.
Our Update Policy
Information around pensions, tax, and housing can change quickly, and accuracy matters.
Here’s how we keep everything up to date:
Reviewed Regularly: We regularly revisit key guides to ensure details are accurate, especially for fast-changing topics like SIPPs, tax allowances, and mortgage rules.
Clear Update Dates: Every page shows when it was last reviewed. That way, you can see how recently we’ve checked the facts.
Expert Rechecks: When rules or rates change, we bring in experts to recheck the advice, especially for complex subjects like equity release or retirement planning.
Reader Tips Welcome: Spotted something outdated? Let us know using the ‘Report an Error’ link at the bottom of any page.
Spotted an Error? Let Us Know
Minor Mistake: Spotted a typo or broken link? We’ll fix it quickly.
Outdated Info: Let us know if something has changed, like a tax rule or deadline.
Unclear Advice: If something’s confusing, tell us so we can improve it.
You Deserve Advice You Can Trust
Everything we publish is written for real people, not algorithms or advertisers. Our editorial standards are here to protect your interests, and we’ll keep raising the bar.
Accessibility & Inclusivity Statement
At BankingTimes, we believe financial guidance should be accessible to everyone. We design our content with older readers in mind and are committed to meeting accessibility standards so all visitors can use our site with confidence.
Plain English – We avoid jargon and explain financial terms clearly to make finance simple and accessible.
Readability – Our articles use larger text, high-contrast colours, and simple layouts to support older readers.
Device Friendly – Pages are optimised for desktop, tablet, and mobile use, offering a seamless experience across devices.
Assistive Technology – We follow WCAG 2.1 standards to support fair access, clear understanding, and compliance with FCA Consumer Duty principles.
Inclusive Examples – We represent a range of retirement situations, from single people to couples, homeowners, and renters, to reflect diverse reader experiences.
Feedback Welcome – If you encounter an accessibility issue, please contact us so we can put it right.
Who Writes and Reviews Our Content
Every article on BankingTimes is written or reviewed by qualified UK financial professionals, including Chartered Financial Planners, compliance consultants, and FCA-regulated advisers, to ensure all content is accurate, clear, balanced, and compliant with FCA communication standards.
Katherine Read
Bert Hofhuis
Paul Sawyer
Our Promise to You
At BankingTimes, everything we do is guided by your trust.
We pledge to:
Write in Plain English – No jargon, just clear explanations.
Stay Independent – Our experts never take commissions for their advice.
Use Only Trusted Sources – FCA, government, and industry-recognised bodies.
Keep Content Fresh – Every article is reviewed and updated when rules change.
Put Readers First – Your financial confidence matters more than advertising.
Contact the BankingTimes Team
Whether you’ve spotted an issue, have a question, or want to share feedback — we’d love to hear from you.
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