Many people are still paying agents far too high fees when they take out a loan or a mortgage, according to research by the financial services sector regulator AFM.

Some people are paying fees of up to 20% of the total premium, which bears no relation to the actual cost of the service, the AFM says.
Finance minister Jan Kees de Jager plans to end the fee system in 2013. The aim of the ban is to ensure financial advisors only act in the interests of customers and are unswayed by generous bank payouts.