We are strong believers that everyone should have access to financial advice that is not governed or influenced by others. We have an extensive level of knowledge, experience and expertise, and have the freedom to research the whole market to get the best deal for our clients. We chose the brand name deliberately because we recognised that the value of independence would increase as many advisers move towards the easier non-independent restricted model. To remain independent in today’s market is not easy. There is a need to offer clients a full ‘range’ of solutions and not just basic platform products or firm imposed centralised investment propositions. This broad product understanding requires a more traditional yet sophisticated adviser with a more diverse understanding of the advice industry.
Given that many firms are switching to the easier restricted models, joining us is a way to remain independent. Everyone associates independence with whole of market but independence of ownership, of control, of funding and of other influences is sometimes lost. That is why we are branded as being Truly Independent.
What is an Independent Financial Adviser?
An independent financial adviser often referred to as an IFA, is an adviser that can provide financial advice that is free of any restrictions in the market. They can consider and recommend all types of retail investment products to meet the client’s needs and objectives. IFAs can consider solutions from any provider firm across the whole market, which means their advice is completely unbiased. While the products they recommend may still have charges from the product provider, these can be reduced depending on the charging basis agreed with by the IFA. Independent Financial Advisers are paid by fees charged to their clients for their services. Such fees are always agreed upon with the client from the outset. Offering an initial meeting free of charge is a common practice applied by IFAs. This gives the client a no-obligation opportunity to decide if the financial planning proposal is the right fit for them.
How do you become a Truly IFA?
To become an independent financial adviser, you will need to hold a Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) along with a recognised financial adviser qualification, approved by the Financial Conduct Authority. Specifically, at Truly Independent, we look for Level 4 qualified Advisers (DipPFS via the CII or an equivalent). On top of the strict qualifications needed to become an Independent Financial Adviser, there is also a specific skill that we look for. We require our advisers to be experienced, IT literate, and regulated for at least two years in an advisory role. For more information on what we look for from our advisers, click here.
How much can a Truly IFA earn?
The salary of an IFA can vary greatly, ranging from £25,000 to over £200,000 per annum. Top individuals can earn more than £400,000 per annum. This solely depends on the adviser’s activity, the client demographic they advise, and the ability to provide a long-term quality service. IFAs at Truly Independent can retain up to 95% of their gross income dependent on their total production level and if they meet the firm’s high standards. We encourage our IFAs to earn more money, have more time, and do so with less stress. We pay our advisers twice a week based upon business completed. The more you write, the more you receive. The happier you are, the more productive and successful you are. To discover how much you could earn at Truly Independent. Enter your production levels into our retention calculator by clicking here.
What are the benefits of being a Truly IFA?
Greater work satisfaction
As an IFA, you can provide your clients unbiased advice with no restrictions. This means that you know you have given them the best possible advice for their situation. Not only is this rewarding for the adviser on a job satisfaction level, but it is rewarding financially too, as it is proven that a person who is happy in their work will earn 12% more.
Unlimited earning potential
As an IFA at Truly Independent, you are in control of your earning potential. The average adviser at Truly earns more than £100,000 a year; however, this is uncapped, so there is potential to make even more. On top of the tremendous earning potential, lower overheads also leave more room for profit.
Work schedule flexibility
It is not always the case that IFAs are employed. Truly Independent IFA’s are self-employed, which enables them to work the hours they want to work. Additionally, once an adviser has an established client base, they have the advantage of scheduling meetings around their personal calendars. Thus, over time, they will have the opportunity to work less than a whole 40 hour week if they desire to do so.
Start-up costs are low
Starting out as an IFA is a relatively low-cost business venture. Of course, there are the usual start-up fees for licensing as well as other regulatory costs. However, this is small compared to many other types of businesses. This is because you will not need to pay for office space as working from home is a very viable option.
Compliance requirements
As a financial adviser, you must be licensed to provide or sell products to your clients. Keeping up with the regulatory requirements helps protect clients from malpractice; however, this can be a time-consuming endeavor for the financial adviser. Fortunately, here at Truly Independent, our in-house compliance and action team will be here to support you every step of the way.
Marketing Support
Acquiring a strong client base is the most challenging part of becoming an IFA. Doing so requires an effective marketing plan put in place and time set aside to prospect for work. This is not an issue for Truly Advisers. Our in-house marketing team will do the marketing for you, allowing you to focus on what you do best, giving financial advice.