Insights

Sonny Kurmi tells us about his journey from a Saturday job in a local bank to setting up his own financial advisory firm and achieving chartered status.

Having a professional designation from an accredited body is a well-established way for financial advisers and bankers to demonstrate their commitment to their profession. It also happens to be an essential requirement for some roles.

Have you recently graduated or just left school? Perhaps you’re thinking about what to study at university? Whatever stage you’re at, if you like a challenge, working in a team and solving problems, a career in finance could be for you.

Given the cost-of-living crisis, it’s no wonder people are looking at how to cut their outgoings. But as a mortgage or financial adviser, you need to help your customers make the right decisions. Gordon Reid looks at how you can help customers stick with policies they may not think they need, but definitely do.

For many people – including those who are retired are about to retire – personal finance is in flux. But are people getting the guidance they need when planning their finances? And how do you, as a financial adviser, know you’re giving the right advice?

The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) new rules are likely to be the biggest shake up of financial services since the Retail Distribution Review and the Mortgage Market Review. John Somerville, our Head of Financial Services, sets out what this means for mortgage and financial advice firms – and how to prepare yourself for a more consumer-led world.

In an increasingly fast-paced digital world, banking and finance professionals are discovering they need something to help them stand out from the crowd – particularly in their marketing and digital communications. A digital badge can help you do just that – whether you’re promoting your business or planning the next step in your career.

You may be an experienced mortgage adviser, but – with inflation and the cost of living continuing to rise – today’s mortgage market presents new challenges. Gordon Reid looks at the issues, how they impact advisers and how you can prepare yourself for what’s ahead.

If your in customer services, how can you support customers who find themselves in financial distress? Interest rate rises, out of control inflation, supply chain disruption and an all-round increase in the cost of living are creating financial hardship – particularly among borrowers.