If you look beneath our logo on this website, you’ll see the by-line ‘Chartered Financial Planners’. But what does being Chartered actually mean? Awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), Chartered status stands proud as an indicator of the highest standards of learning and ethical behaviour in the financial services industry. There are currently only around 900 firms in the UK that have achieved Chartered Financial Planners status. So being Chartered is actually relatively rare in our industry and therefore, holding Chartered status is an achievement to be celebrated and recognised. Seen by the industry as ‘the gold standard’ of financial advice, Chartered status can apply to both individuals and firms. Gresham Wealth Management is a Chartered firm, with a number of individuals also holding the status of ‘Chartered Financial Planner’. For individuals, becoming Chartered requires a certain level of qualification and a minimum of five years’ relevant experience. For firms, in order to become Chartered, they must meet a strict set of eligibility criteria, and these must be maintained on an ongoing basis. Additionally, the Chartered logo signifies that an individual or an organisation has committed to:
- 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 enforced through disciplinary sanctions.
What does all of this mean for clients? For existing clients, having your financial affairs managed by a firm that has ‘Chartered Financial Planners’ status means you can be confident you are dealing with one of the UK’s leading firms that is committed to providing you with the best possible advice, service and support. You know that the individuals you are dealing with are amongst the most highly qualified financial advisers in the country and that your financial affairs will be managed with high standards of quality, technical knowledge and client service. New clients looking to engage a financial planner might find the Chartered mark a useful way of making their choice of adviser. Being Chartered isn’t just a badge of honour, it’s an ongoing commitment. By opting to engage a Chartered firm or adviser, you can rest assured that your affairs will be managed professionally and thoroughly. For more information on what it means to be Chartered, you can visit the Chartered Insurance Institute’s (CII) website.