Independent Financial Advisor in England

Competitive negotiable salary plus bonus and comprehensive benefits. Mainly office based. An exceptional opportunity is now available with a multi-office award winning wealth manager, for an experienced and qualified Financial Adviser, to manage an existing high value book of existing clients. A very competitive salary is on offer, along with a comprehensive benefits package, a generous bonus, and exam support if required. Full paraplanning and compliance support.

The purpose of the Adviser role is to provide independent financial planning and investment management advice to new and existing clients, whilst always upholding the principles of the firm. The Adviser must hold a Statement of Professional Standing (SPS), issued by an accredited body. Additionally, Advisers must hold an appropriate qualification as set out in the FCA Training and Competency Guide Sourcebook, and specifically TC Appendix 4). Advisers are encouraged to use their accredited body for help and support in understanding and complying with ethical standards. The Adviser should be clear about and continue to meet the ethical requirements set out in APER, which you must comply with as an Approved Person. The Adviser must recognise that the FCA and the body that issues the Adviser’s SPS will hold the Adviser accountable for these requirements. Must meet professional standards and make an annual declaration to an accredited body. Possess a strong awareness of regulatory regime and its application to an independent advisory firm. May be part of a sample of Advisers asked to submit their records for review by an accredited body. Is accountable for unethical behaviour. Must meet the qualifications requirements to be able to give retail investment advice. Make an annual declaration to the accredited body that CPD requirements have been met in the previous 12 months. The Adviser must hold a Statement of Professional Standing (SPS), issued by an accredited body. The Adviser will need to complete a minimum of 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year for retail investment activities, of which 21 hours should be structured. If other retail activities are carried out, for example, providing mortgage advice or managing funds, the Adviser will need to carry out CPD for that activity as well. Advisers must document their CPD and items that must be logged are knowledge gaps, target outcome of learning, how the Adviser will meet their CPD goals and a description of the CPD completed or going to complete, including number of hours and the results of any CPD tests or qualifications.

Financial Adviser Role Overview

The firm will ensure that Advisers giving information about products and services offered by the firm have the necessary knowledge and competence to:

• Understand the key characteristics, risk and features of the products being offered or recommended, including any general tax implications to be incurred by the client in the context of transactions.
• Care should be taken when providing advice with respect to products characterised by higher levels of complexity.
• Understand the total costs and charges to be incurred by the client in the context of the type of product being offered or recommended and the costs related to the provision of the advice and any other related services being provided.
• Fulfil the obligations required by firms in relation to the suitability requirements of the product or service recommended.
• Understand how financial markets function and how they affect the value and pricing of investment products offered or recommended to clients.
• Understand the impact of economic figures, national/regional/global events on markets and on the value of investment products being offered or recommended to clients.
• Understand the difference between past performance and future performance scenarios as well as the limits of predictive forecasting.
• Understand issues relating to market abuse and anti-money laundering.
• Assess data relevant to the type of products offered or recommended to clients such as Key Investor Information Documents, Key Facts documents, Illustrations, or Prospectuses.
• Keep up to date with all relevant product, legislative and technical changes.
• Understand what a conflict of interest is, how a COI may arise and how to manage it.
• Understand the company gift and inducement policy rules.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The Adviser will be responsible for the following:

• Adhering and keeping up to date with the FCA rules, the firm’s compliance procedures and the firm’s policies and procedures.
• Overseeing, managing, and developing their portfolio of clients on a fee basis.
• Seeking, developing, and securing new external business opportunities.
• Providing technical support for the business, as required.

Financial Adviser Technical Knowledge

The Adviser should be reasonably experienced in all areas of financial planning covering investments, pensions, protection planning and corporate financial planning. The Adviser should have a reasonable understanding of portfolio construction and asset allocation, although this responsibility will not lie with the individual. The Adviser should be experienced in obtaining business from professionals.

Financial Adviser Skills Required

• Excellent command of the English language and be articulate and confident in dealing with a wide range of individuals including clients and other professionals.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, able to listen, empathise and build trust with private clients who are frequently successful in their field of endeavour.
• Ability to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data with a view to diagnosing a challenge or opportunity and creating a suitable strategy for the client.
• Ability to professionally present solutions to clients and technical subjects to fellow professionals.
• Ability to meet clients’ expectations and provide them with a regular comprehensive level of service along with the ability to develop new business.
• Be experienced in working in a highly regulated, compliant office.
• Be professional, tactful, diplomatic, and able to always maintain confidentiality.
• Be hardworking and prepared to go the “the extra mile” to ensure that work is done on time and at a high standard.
• Ability to effectively use a variety of software (e.g. Mos Office, X-Plan, Voyant, FE Analytics etc.), with a high attention to detail.
• Exemplary communication skills and high level of proficiency in drafting all manner of communications including letters and reports.
• Ability to thrive whilst working under pressure to meet specific targets and deadlines.
• Be comfortable working autonomously and able to set and manage personal goals, directing, managing own workflow, and conflicting deadlines.
• Possess a teamwork ethic and be prepared to support, guide, and assist trainees and colleagues.
• Be continuously learning, training, and keeping up to date with trade legislations, products, and always develop skills, attributes and do what is necessary to maximise their potential.