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Running a directly authorised (DA) firm isn’t just about compliance, growth and client service, it’s also about ensuring long-term security and stability. The directly authorised route will work for some, but requires extensive experience, time and finances to remain afloat. The reality is that being directly authorised means shouldering every responsibility alone, from regulatory oversight to operational management. This often leads to increased stress, financial risk and pulling advisers away from what they do best: serving their clients.
With increased FCA scrutiny, rising costs and greater operational pressures, many advisers are re-evaluating whether the DA route is truly sustainable. At the ASHL Group, we provide a safe, supportive home for firms, ensuring that advisers can focus on their clients while we handle the rest.
The ASHL advantage: The best of both worlds
Unlike other networks that push advisers into one model, we don’t dictate how you run your firm. Whether you operate as independent or restricted, we provide the same level of support and resources, ensuring you have the tools needed to thrive.
Sense network is our network that supports independent financial advisers to run their business their way. Although you have access to proposition support, ultimately, the choice is yours to choose how you want to run your business. Independent advisers maintain full market access while benefiting from compliance oversight and regulatory protection.
Lyncombe is our network that offers a pre-built proposition where we have conducted the initial and ongoing research, due diligence and design decisions enabling you to focus exclusively on client advice and service, without the time-consuming responsibility of maintaining your own product research and governance. Lyncombe advisers benefit from a streamlined, efficient model with built-in fees to include PII cover and run off PII cover at exit, making it an ideal choice for those who want to dedicate more time to client relationships and business growth.
Members benefit from a designated T&C supervisor who offer day-today support, ensuring that compliance and risk management are handled seamlessly. Transitioning into the network is made easy with a specialist agencies and novation team, while efficient fee and commission processing ensures a smooth financial operation. Furthermore, advisers receive as much or as little business development support, including guidance on revenue growth, succession planning, and strategic exit planning as they want. The networks also offers an extensive CPD programme, providing over 200 hours of structured learning annually, including specialist technology programmes and an adviser academy, fully funded.
Overall, our role is to provide the infrastructure, compliance oversight and business support that allow you to operate with confidence, free from unnecessary restrictions but fully equipped with the security and backing of an experienced network.
Your brand, our resources
One of the biggest fears advisers have when enquiring to join the network is losing their brand identity. Whether you choose an independent or pre-built proposition, we ensure that firms can retain their own brand while leveraging our infrastructure, technology and compliance support.
This means that firms can continue to grow under their own brand while benefiting from the strength and stability of the ASHL Group. A true partnership that enables advisers to focus on clients, not admin and red tape.
The right move for the future
One of the biggest advantages of joining an ASHL Group network is that we’ve been here before. We have no legacy issues and we have a proven track record of successfully supporting firms and providing the expertise and infrastructure needed to thrive in a challenging market.
As a network member, firms can benefit from not only a network with no legacy issues, but you will have access to experts with decades of industry experience. We understand the challenges firms face and have built our networks to solve them.
Firms that join an ASHL Group network become part of a well-established, supportive network, reducing the isolation and risk that many DA firms face. We have members who are more than happy to support others by offering their advice and guidance to get to where they are now.
This support gives advisers peace of mind, knowing they are in a secure and well-managed environment that protects their business now and in the future.
Summary
During this series we have explored how the current regulatory environment presents significant hurdles for firms seeking or maintaining direct authorisation. The increased compliance demands, associated costs and potential risks have made it the most challenging time to operate as a directly authorised entity. Affiliation with a network emerges as a strategic alternative offering extensive compliance support, shared resources and a buffer against the intensifying pressures of regulatory compliance.
If you’re looking for a future-proof solution that allows you to grow, succeed and focus on clients without the burden of managing everything alone, then one of the ASHL Groups could be the right home for your firm.
If you’re ready to hear more about how Sense and Lyncombe can provide security, stability and long-term growth for your business, check out our network services and benefits brochures below.
