Posted on by Tolu Akisanya

Press Release

PIMFA Financial Adviser Forum Addresses Issues Impacting the Future of the Sector

Thursday 23rd January 2020

 

 

On Wednesday 22 January, the Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association (PIMFA) hosted the 2020 Financial Adviser Forum at Farrer & Co, in London.

The half-day educational Forum, welcomed 100 financial advisers and wealth managers from the industry, covered topics including retirement, managing risks & client communications, intergenerational wealth, and more.

Ryan Medlock, of Royal London, explained the future of ESG, the growing demand pool for sustainable investment alongside the key ESG regulatory and legislative changes being introduced for ESG. He stated that the 170 proposed EU regulatory measures were indicative of the pace of change on the issue and its development within the industry.

Thomas Becket and Rory McPherson, of Psigma, discussed how to manage risks in challenging economic environments – highlighting that we are now in an era of the lowest returns with the highest risk. Explaining the shifts in economic dynamics, they highlighted growing and changing interests in investments and provided insights on how the advice community can meet challenges such as population shrinkage, accumulation of debt, and flat interest rates.

Ian Woodhouse, of Orbium, shared his thoughts on ‘the future of the advisor and the increasing importance of client communication’, how traditional advice models are evolving, and disruptions and mega-trends that are driving new solutions and service models for future generations such as Gen Z and X – who by 2030 will hold 50% of the capital in the UK.

Following the Forum, PIMFA held a private reception at the House of Commons which provided an opportunity for PIMFA members to network with politicians and share some of the key area of focus in the industry in 2020. The reception also saw PIMFA announce its work with the Diversity and Inclusion Working party which will be focusing on encouraging young women into the industry and increasing inclusive recruitment beyond Russell Group universities, alongside the announcement of the PIMFA partnership with the leading City social mobility charity, The Brokerage. As part of this joint venture, the ‘City Talent Partnership’, provides a linkage between industry and thousands of young people from various backgrounds to help provide access to careers.

The Brokerage work with young people to achieve their career potential by providing experience of work, employability skills and jobs, and award-winning talent mobilisation programmes. Already working with over 100 companies in the City to help make this possible, The Brokerage encourages working together to create even greater opportunities for our sector in London, to have a more diverse and talented workforce to drive creativity, innovation and productivity.

PIMFA CEO, Liz Field said: “As we look to the future of the sector we must consider all areas that impact it, such as ensuring it is a desirable career option for future employees for all. In 2017, we launched our Member’s Manifesto, which highlighted the importance of access and to develop thriving markets, for us to be able to successfully reach these goals we much ensure that we’re diverse and inclusive, and reflective for the society.

We’re also pleased to announce our intention to work with our members on two key areas; increasing inclusive recruitment and improving recruitment and career opportunities for women and girls. Diversity and inclusion are key components for success in the future for client engagement and retention, and we are committed to creating and supporting industry initiatives that encourage and improve D&I within the sector. Embedded within the values and ethos of PIMFA is the desire and need to work in collaboration with other organisations across a range of industries, such as The Brokerage.”

Tim Shipman, Political Editor from The Sunday Times also spoke at the reception, entertaining guests with his particular brand if satire and insight on present-day politics.

 

 

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Notes for Editors

About PIMFA – the Personal Investment Management & Financial Advice Association

 

  • PIMFA is the leading trade association for firms that provide investment management and financial advice to everyone from individuals and families to charities, pension funds, trusts and companies.
  • The sector currently looks after £1.3 trillion in private savings and investments and employs over 55,000 people.
  • PIMFA represents both full and associate member firms. Full members provide a range of financial solutions including financial advice, portfolio management, as well as investment and execution services. They assist everyone from individuals and families, to charities and pension funds, all the way to trusts and companies.  Associate members provide professional services to the PIMFA community.
  • PIMFAleads the debate on policy and regulatory recommendations to ensure that the UK remains a global centre of excellence in the wealth management, investment advice and financial planning arena.  Our mission is to create an optimal operating environment so that its member firms can focus on delivering the best service to clients, providing responsible stewardship for their long-term savings and investments.
  • PIMFA was created in 2017 as the outcome of a merger between the Association of Professional Financial Advisers (APFA) and the Wealth Management Association (WMA) with a history as a trade association since 1991 – read more.
  • Further information can be found at pimfa.co.uk
  • To become a member of PIMFA for access to training, benefits and discounts, please visit https://www.pimfa.co.uk/become-a-member or contact us directly at membership@pimfa.co.uk

 


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