Independent Financial Advisor

Competitive negotiable salary plus bonus and comprehensive benefits

Buckinghamshire

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 Source book, 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.

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

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• 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.

The Adviser will be responsible for the following:

• Adhering and keeping up to date with to 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.

• 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…