Yesterday’s (8 May) announcement that Apfa is set to merge with the WMA came less than two years after the trade body posted a £30,080 loss for the year to the end of June 2015.
While Apfa managed to turn it around and report a £126,917 profit for the year to the end of June 2016, for the year to the end of June 2014, the trade body only managed to post a profit of £29,253 and for the year to the end of June 2013 it posted a profit of £117,337.
According to Mr Hannant the Apfa council firmly believes a merger with the WMA to form the Investment Management & Financial Advice Association (IMFA) would result in “merger synergies” by the end of year one.
He said these synergies would mean the IMFA should have an improved ongoing financial position.
Neither the press release sent out about the merger nor the letter sent to Apfa members clarified what these “merger synergies” would be.
FTAdviser has contacted both Apfa and the WMA to ask whether these synergies would involve staff being made redundant or a move to new offices.
Mr Hannant confirmed all WMA staff will be employed by IMFA. He will stay for "a transitional period as a strategic adviser" with the IMFA, while Apfa’s other permanent staff, Caroline Escott, Alex Roberts and Emma Evans, will be employed by the new trade body.
Apfa, which is currently based in offices in Westminster, London, will move to the WMA's offices.
Mr Hannant said: “Through this proposal, we can unlock further synergies, expanding upon the policy expertise acquired, to champion our new wider remit.”
As the new trade body IMFA, Mr Hannant said the collective expertise will significantly exceed the offerings of each former trade association, for the benefit of existing members.
On whether advisers would leave as a result of the end of Apfa, he said the amplified strength of the IMFA’s unique voice is expected to attract new member firms that have previously not been a member of either association.
On the benefits Apfa members will see from the merger, Mr Hannant said they will get enhanced services currently offered to WMA members such as free or reduced rates to attend over 60 events and seminars per year, both within and outside London.
In 2016 these events produced nearly 100 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The new trade body will also produce member publications such a detailed monthly newsletters, fortnightly updates, research reports, useful guides, plus a half yearly magazine, etc.
There will be a new webinar and technical workshop programme plus a dedicated policy support area on the new IMFA website.
Apfa members will also get an entry on a member directory accessed by thousands of private clients.
To vote on the merger, Apfa members can go to the EGM on 23 May at 46 Queen Anne’s Gate, London, SW1H 9AP or complete and return a proxy voting form by 21 May to Emma Evans at the same address or by email to emma.evans@apfa.net.
If both sets of members approve the merger, Apfa members who have paid annual subscriptions in advance will continue from 1 June until their next renewal date.
For Apfa members who pay subscriptions by monthly direct debit, the trade body will continue to collect these direct debits and pass the subscription monies to IMFA, who will provide membership services.
New direct debits to IMFA will be put in place on the normal renewal dates.
Under the merged trade association, subscriptions for 2017 to 2018 will remain at the same rate for former Apfa members.
A new subscription structure will combine the existing WMA approach for members, which is based on annual turnover related to UK business only, with the existing Apfa firm fee and per adviser fee approach.
In a letter to members, John Gummer, Lord Deben and chairman of Apfa, said: “I firmly believe that having a strong voice for the advice profession is of the utmost importance.
“Apfa has sought to present the strongest adviser case, the value of which is demonstrated by successes such as persuading the FCA to change its mind on making advice firms record telephone calls.
“But we could always do more. Therefore, we are proposing to join forces with the WMA so we can represent you better. A larger trade body will have more members and resources, so will be able to cover more issues and make a more effective case on your behalf.
“In our past we have adapted and evolved, from IFAA through Aifa to now. The Apfa council and I are unanimous in the view that the merger is the best way to ensure a strong voice for the profession in the future.”
emma.hughes@ft.com
