As an individual, I’ve been a Chartered Financial Planner since 2009. It’s a qualification I’m really proud of – it marks me out as amongst the most qualified financial advisers in the country.
I was keen that Just Financial Planning as a business should also achieve corporate Chartered status. It’s something we’ve been actively working towards for some time. So it was fantastic to finally get that recognition earlier this year.
Why is achieving Chartered status so important to us?
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), the body responsible for awarding Chartered status to both individuals and firms, summarises the significance:
“A corporate Chartered title is a commitment to an overall standard of excellence and professionalism, and evidence of that commitment to customers, partners and employees.”
To achieve chartered status, we had to demonstrate:
- the highest levels of technical and professional knowledge and competence through professional qualifications
- keeping knowledge and skills up-to-date through continuing professional development
- ethical conduct through adhering to an industry Code of Ethics.
In the CII’s words, competence, knowledge and ethical behaviour are the qualities that are embodied by Chartered status. They are all very much qualities that we want to be associated with the great work we do here at Just Financial Planning.
The careful steps that we have taken to secure Chartered status make us all better at our job. That ultimately means that we can help our customers make better informed financial decisions. We can change our clients lives for the better by the quality of service we provide. That feels pretty good, and it’s something the whole team can be proud of.
We also think having more Chartered Planners in the UK is great for the industry as a whole. If we can help improve standards of knowledge, behaviour and professionalism, everyone wins. The general public will feel more able to trust firms to offer the right advice. And with more individuals getting the right advice, our overall economy should benefit.
Why Chartered status is great for us
Whilst other qualifications can be confusing to the casual observer, a Royal Charter mark is universally recognised as a hallmark of quality and excellence. Consumers recognise it as such. They value a Charter mark as an indication of merit, capability and ethical practice. With that comes trust and confidence.
Finding the right financial adviser can be a confusing process. With endless stories of rogue practices and unscrupulous individuals, looking for a firm with Chartered status can be a great place to start. You immediately know you’re dealing with a reputable firm with your best interests at heart
We believe this coveted status will help us attract new clients who are looking for the best in the industry.
Why Chartered status is great for our client and or our existing clients?
Well, it doesn’t really change anything. We were already committed to being the best in the industry. We already carried out regular training to keep our skills up to date with the ever-changing rules and regulations. But now we’re accountable to someone for this, so it’s yet another great reason to stick with us!
