Transitioning from a Paraplanner to an Adviser: Embracing a Client-Centric Approach

Reflecting on the past year, I, as an aspiring financial adviser, have gained valuable insights into my journey towards becoming a financial planner. Having recently completed my chartered qualification as a paraplanner, I am now setting new goals and personal aspirations for the upcoming year.

While purchasing my first property stands as a significant objective, I also aim to engage in more international running events to explore new destinations. At work, my role has evolved from a conventional paraplanner to a hybrid position, where I now assist our managing director, Nathan Mead-Wellings, with his client portfolio. This transition has provided me with practical experience in offering advice, enhancing the technical expertise required for delivering sound financial recommendations.

Under the mentorship of Nathan, I have encountered diverse client scenarios that demand a balance between technical knowledge acquired as a paraplanner and the ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and understandable manner to clients. Clients, I have learned, are more interested in practical information such as retirement comfort, business succession planning, or assisting their children with housing deposits, rather than intricate technical details.

Moving away from the inclination to delve into technicalities during client interactions is a key goal for me this year. Balancing exam preparations, property acquisition, running commitments, social engagements, and adequate rest poses a challenge, but I am eager to navigate through these demands to witness the outcomes of my efforts unfold.

The journey from a paraplanner to an adviser involves not just a shift in roles but also a transformation in communication style to align with clients’ needs and preferences. By embracing a client-centric approach and focusing on delivering advice in a clear, understandable manner, I am confident in my ability to evolve into a successful financial adviser.

Samuel Allen, a chartered paraplanner at Finura, shares his insights and aspirations in the financial services industry in the February 2024 edition of MM. If you are interested in subscribing to our monthly magazine for more industry updates, click here.