We recently received news that three members of the Gresham team have passed the exams they have been working towards, further bolstering the knowledge and qualifications of our team. Financial Planner Daniel Ardern has attained the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualification in the tax and legal aspects of business. Meanwhile, Lewis Marsh from our technical team passed the AF7 qualification on Pension Transfers, with fellow Paraplanner Alison Reeves passing the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.
In passing the CII exam on the tax and legal aspects of business, Daniel becomes one of a small number of financial advisers with a dedicated qualification for helping business owners. The exam focuses on the legal structure of limited companies and partnerships and explores in depth the areas in which financial planners can add value for business owners. This qualification allows advisers to gain a more rounded knowledge of the needs of business owners at all stages of the business lifecycle with a view to ensuring business continuity, promoting expansion, extracting cash and preparing for exit.
The AF7 module, achieved by Lewis, is designed to develop the specialist knowledge and skills needed for advising on the transfer of safeguarded benefits. The qualification also brings professionals up-to-date with the fundamental aspects of the pension transfer process; the implications of transferring between different types of pensions; and develops advice skills across a range of client circumstances and scenarios.
As Gresham have recently been awarded the Pension Gold Standard by the Personal Finance Society, Lewis’ qualification further places Gresham as a reputable and trustworthy provider for anyone considering transferring out of a final salary or defined benefit pension scheme.
Alison’s attainment of the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning marks a landmark in her career progression, as having passed this exam, she is now able to apply to become Chartered. Reaching this level of qualification is something only achieved by a relatively small number of paraplanners and is a culmination of many years of study and learning. To get to this position, Alison firstly had to work towards passing the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, before then going on to study for a further 2 years towards the Advanced exam.
These three latest results are part of a combined effort to grow our team’s knowledge and improve the service we offer to clients. Studying for professional qualifications in our industry takes a great deal of time and commitment alongside full-time work. Whilst this is something we actively support as an employer, providing study leave time and funding the cost of exams, it ultimately comes down to the individual themselves to make the effort to push themselves and dedicate their time and effort. So a big congratulations to Daniel, Lewis and Alison!