If social media is a good barometer for interpreting a group’s mood and energy, then the financial planning community is in robust health. The CISI is delighted to see its newest members engaging in the daily life of our professional body.
Since November, the Institute has run financial planning events on topics as diverse as investment trusts, excellence in platform provider selection and getting paid what you’re worth: how to demonstrate value.
Events have been run in London, Isle of Wight, Essex, Northern Ireland, South Wales, East Anglia and Surrey. The CISI has also launched its first Professional Refresher in Financial Planning (an Introduction).
The operations team has their sleeves permanently rolled up as there is much reconciliation work to be done, integrating individual’s core membership data, qualifications history, past membership details and firm information.
The CISI is keen to have more members complete the transfer process, including the IntegrityMatters test.
A global FPSB survey of 19,092 household decision makers has found CFPTM professionals rated by consumers up to 16 points higher than other financial planning professionals. This rating was higher than other financial professionals on characteristics such as honesty and integrity (57% versus 47%) and understanding needs and goals.
Despite this, the survey demonstrated that people are relying on friends and family, not professional financial planners, for information on financial matters and planning, with 44% of consumers relying on friends and family and 41% relying on websites for financial information. Fewer (31%) turn to a financial planner.
So the CISI cannot be complacent. The FPSB is using these findings to develop a global consumer awareness campaign promoting the value of working with a CFPTM professional. Your membership of the CISI will ensure the UK Financial Planning community’s voice will grow in strength and will be heard.
CISI Chief Executive Simon Culhane, Chartered FCSI