by Richard Allum on 1 April 2011
Interesting comments about how Colin Lawson of Equilibrium has set up their advice structure and paraplanning team. I would say this of course, but he’s right. Read the full article in Money Marketing.
Lawson and Equilibrium’s two other advisers are well supported, each assigned a team of five paraplanners who sit in on all client meetings. “It is an unusual structure but the use of paraplanners will increase as the retail distribution review approaches. Advisers are going to have to become more efficient, whether that means having people in-house or outsourcing. I believe using paraplanners is the best route for the industry but first the gap between adviser and paraplanner pay needs to narrow.”
At Equilibrium, the paraplanners are the most qualified employees, although Lawson says this will change after the RDR. “I have got one more exam to do myself and have chosen financial regulation. I figured it would be useful to know something about that area.
by Richard Allum on 31 March 2011
My business is in the fortunate position of being able to turn away new clients as we are so busy with our existing ones. However, we still get lots of enquiries each week and I felt quite bad not being able to help as most wanted to engage with a paraplanner. This lead to the idea of the directory. It’s the first time an IFA or financial planner can go to one site and see a listing of freelance and outsourced paraplanners (and administrators), review detailed information about them and make contact with as many as they want with a single click.
It’s a simple idea but I think it will work. The profile of parapalanners has grown rapidly in recent years and this is another step forward in meeting the demand for our services. You can find the Directory here and follow us on Twitter here.
by Richard Allum on 17 March 2011
The IFP are running the first one day conference for paraplanners on 25 May – you can find out more details here. There is a varied and interesting programme that should suit new and experienced paraplanners and our very own Martin Vaughan is running a session on suitability letters. One of the benefits of attending a conference is the chance to meet like minded people and we hope to see as many of you there as possible.
by Martin Vaughan on 17 March 2011
The NPAC in association with UBS and theparaplanner.com is pleased to announce details of its inaugural Paraplanning and Networking events taking place throughout the UK in May 2011.
The theme for these events will be lifetime cashflow planning – what is it, what is it for, why you should use it and how to produce a professional report. These free sessions will be excellent for those new to cash flow planning and want to understand how this fits into their financial planning practice as well as those who have been using cash flow planning for some time and want to sharpen their skills. [click to continue…]
by Martin Vaughan on 17 February 2011
Over the past couple of months we have been involved with a new series of paraplanner forums hosted by threesixty services. So far two have been held in London with another one in Manchester.
These free events have proved extremely popular amongst paraplanners with the opportunity to meet, ask questions and network with other paraplanners in addition to learning more about the IFPs Paraplanner qualification and gain an insight into the latest developments in the paraplanner world proving highly beneficial.
The next event is being held in Edinburgh on March 2nd. Once again this is proving to be extremely popular but there are still a very limited number of places available for this event. [click to continue…]
by Martin Vaughan on 8 January 2011
The role of the paraplanner has been gaining more and more prominence over the last few years and with the specific developments over the last 12 months, namely the regular surveys of the paraplanning profession and the introduction of the IFP’s paraplanner qualification, the recognition of the importance of the role of paraplanners in a modern financial planning practice looks set to increase.
When theparaplanner.com was founded its objective was to create a central place where paraplanners and administrators could receive up to knowledge about developments within the world of paraplanning and create a place where paraplanners could share knowledge and best practice.
This has been very successful with the site being visited by thousands of visitors a month.
Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to be involved in a number of projects which have seen the role of the paraplanner develop into a career in its own right. I have now been asked to put together an elite group of dynamic and forward thinking Paraplanners and Administrators who are keen to further develop their own skills and experience; wish to be aware of any developments within the paraplanner and administrator role generally and are enthusiastic about demonstrating the importance of the role of paraplanners and administrators within the wider financial services industry.
This group will be the National Paraplanner and Administrator Collective (NPAC). [click to continue…]
by Martin Vaughan on 5 January 2011
Many of you will be aware that during the recent PFS awards ceremonies Rachel Kitching received the PFS Highest Achiever in the Diploma in Financial Planning 2010, for the highest marks and number of distinctions of PFS members nationally.
This is a fantastic achievement for anyone but what many people didn’t realise was that Rachel is a Paraplanner.
We caught up with her to find out a little bit more about her and current role. [click to continue…]
by Martin Vaughan on 4 January 2011
Many of you will recall threesixty organised a paraplanner forum at the end of December 2010. This proved to be very popular and was very successful.
It was a ‘sell out’ with over 40 attendees and many more wanting to attend.
The day was worthwhile and interesting and sparked some really interesting debates. More than anything though paraplanners got the opportunity to mix with and meet other paraplanners; to talk to each other and to share ideas.
The feedback on the day was extremely positive, so much so that threesixty have organised another two dates for those who wanted to attend in December but were unable to. [click to continue…]
by Martin Vaughan on 3 January 2011
It’s the start of 2011 and we would like to wish all of you a Happy and prosperous New Year. We hope that 2011 will be a really good year for all of you personally and also that it will prove to be an even more productive year for all paraplanners and administrators.
There are a number of really exciting developments happening for paraplanners and administrators in the first half of the coming year so watch this space. If you haven’t subscribed to the RSS feed make sure you do so that you get an email every time the site is updated.
Happy New Year.
by Martin Vaughan on 2 December 2010
Don’t miss your chance to complete November’s wave of Paraplanner Census!
Spare 15 minutes before midnight on Monday 6th December for your chance to win a 32GB Apple iPad plus we are introducing 2 additional prizes this month – 2 x £100 voucher of your choice – so you have an even greater chance of winning! [click to continue…]
