In the ever-evolving financial advice landscape, the fundamentals of success remain unchanged: build a solid foundation and create opportunities for sustainable growth. These principles are at the heart of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) renewed focus on revolutionising financial advice, as outlined by the FCA CEO, Nikhil Rathi, in his recent letter to the government on planned reforms. For financial advisers, this presents a moment of reflection and an opportunity to ensure that their business or future businesses, are built for success.
Every thriving business begins with getting the essentials in place. For financial advisers, this means:
The above might seem quite obvious but sometimes it’s easier said than done. That being said, when you have the support of a network, meeting the above points becomes a walk in the park. Why? Because you will have access to the right ongoing support.
A modern restricted financial advice network is far from the rigid, product-limited model of the past. At Lyncombe, we offer a carefully curated range of solutions, backed by robust research and due diligence, ensuring that advisers can recommend high-quality options tailored to clients’ needs. Unlike older models that may have felt restrictive, we focus on providing depth rather than breadth, delivering specialist expertise, regulatory support and streamlined processes that enhance both adviser efficiency and client outcomes.
We understand that the costs of running a business can be daunting whether that’s for an established firm or somebody starting out for the first time. As a network we leverage the volume of our membership, our high standards in terms of compliance and no legacy back book issues together with our long-standing relationships to negotiate the very lowest charges, meaning that joining the membership gives you security whilst keeping premiums low.
Growing with the right support
Once the basics are in place, the challenge becomes growing the business without losing sight of quality, compliance and client satisfaction. This is where the support of a network can be transformative.
Regulations are constantly evolving and staying ahead can feel like a full-time job in itself. At Lyncombe, we offer dedicated compliance teams that help you to interpret and implement regulatory changes effectively. This ensures that your business remains compliant without draining your time and energy. Instead of worrying about meeting FCA standards, you can focus on building trust and providing exceptional outcomes to your clients.
We understand our part to play in the future of financial advice. This is why the ASHL Group set up the ASHL adviser academy. Adopting a ‘study less, pass more approach,’ all ASHL Group members have access to the academy fully funded. This means that as a member, you will have the potential to develop an administrator into a paraplanner, a paraplanner into an adviser and much more. Furthermore, we offer dedicated support focussing on succession planning, graduate recruitment and sales skills to ensure that you can make the most out of your business.
Continuous professional development is essential in financial advice. Lyncombe members have access to over 200+ of CPD training each year. This is comprised of specific technology, regulatory, academy and business development specific sessions. Through face-to-face and virtual events, regular webinars, interactive sessions and a historical content repository, you can be confident that you meet ongoing regulatory CPD requirements.
Attracting and retaining clients requires more than great advice; it demands a strong brand presence. At Lyncombe we provide an array of marketing resources, including client guides, social media guidance and support with tailored campaigns. By tapping into these resources, advisers can enhance their visibility and reach, allowing them to focus on building relationships rather than managing marketing strategies.
Building a business is a career commitment and doesn’t happen overnight. Time, money and sacrifices go into making a business great and you need to be confident that once the time comes for you to step away, there is a lasting, positive legacy. Through our national model, Lync Wealth, we provide a route of acquisition that allows a consistent and protected client journey.
Through the practice buyout programme, an acquired business integrates with Lync Wealth over an agreed period, with the integration and handover mapped ahead. The integration period allows for full alignment with our systems and processes and focuses on the growth of your business and support of the staff and clients within the business.
Why now?
Recent initiatives, such as Consumer Duty, place a greater focus on delivering positive outcomes for clients and building trust in the advice sector. The FCA’s commitment to reshaping financial advice presents a unique moment for advisers to align their businesses with emerging expectations. This regulatory momentum makes it an excellent time to build a practice, or scale an existing one, that aligns with the industry’s ethical and client-focused direction. Advisers who prioritise client care and compliance can position themselves as trusted professionals in a field where credibility is crucial.
The team within Lyncombe are well-positioned to help advisers to navigate these changes by providing robust frameworks for compliance, innovation and client care.
Success in financial advice isn’t just about survival, it’s about thriving. Getting the basics right sets the stage but having the support and resources to grow takes your business to the next level. Joining us as a member of the Lyncombe network could be the key to unlocking that growth whilst staying aligned with the industry’s evolving demands.
If you want to take your business further, consider the advantages that a network can offer. It’s not just about growing your practice; it’s about building a future-ready business that puts clients first and sets you apart in the market. If you’re ready to start your journey, take a look at our network services and benefits guide and get in touch with one of the team.