Did you know that only around 14% of financial adviser firms in the UK hold Chartered Status? According to the latest figures from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), only 692 of around 5000 financial advisor practices are currently Chartered.
We are proud to be one of that small number of firms that have gone the extra mile to show our commitment to clients. But what does it mean to us and what are the benefit to clients?
For the firm…
Being chartered is a choice, it isn’t a requirement. When Gresham Wealth Management was founded over 11 years ago, it was decided that we wanted to meet the highest possible standards of professionalism within our industry and that we would therefore aim for Chartered Status.
Becoming Chartered isn’t something that can happen straight away – a firm must have been trading for at least three years before applying to become a Chartered firm.
Furthermore,at least 50% of advisers working at a corporate Chartered firm need to hold the Chartered financial planner title. As it can take each individual several years to become Chartered, firms must have sufficiently qualified financial advisers. In addition, at least one of a firm’s board members must hold the individual Chartered financial planner title
It should also be noted that there is often a significant cost to gaining and maintaining chartered Status. Chartered firms are required to pay annual fees to the CII. There is also the cost of ensuring that adequately qualified team members are recruited, along with the costs of supporting those within the firm to develop and attain professional qualifications.
For clients…
For existing clients, knowing that your financial affairs are being managed by a firm that has ‘Chartered Financial Planner’ status means you can be confident you are dealing with one of the UK’s leading financial adviser practices. Being Chartered means we are committed to providing clients with the best possible advice, service and support.
Additionally, as a Gresham client, you know that the individuals you are dealing with are amongst the most well- qualified financial advisers in the country. Not only are a number of our advisers individually Chartered, several of Gresham’s technical Paraplanners also have, or are working towards, becoming Chartered. Therefore, you can be sure that your financial affairs are being managed with high standards of quality, technical knowledge and client service.
New clients looking to engage a financial planner might find the Chartered mark a useful way of making their choice of adviser. Being Chartered isn’t just a badge of honour, it’s an ongoing commitment. By opting to engage a Chartered firm or adviser, you can rest assured that your affairs will be managed professionally and thoroughly.
For more information on Chartered status, visit theChartered Insurance Institute’s (CII)website.
