QuilterJun 10 2019

Smith leaves Quilter adviser school after 6 years

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Smith leaves Quilter adviser school after 6 years

The head of Quilter's financial adviser school has left the business after almost six years, to pursue a career in consultancy. 

Darren Smith left the adviser school, which has more than 330 students and graduates, earlier this month and intends to move into consultancy with a particular focus on the voluntary industry. 

Quilter's advice arm Intrinsic acquired the Financial Adviser School from Sesame three years ago and Scott Stevens, who joined Intrinsic in April as director of adviser recruitment and acquisition, is expected to take on its management until a successor is found. 

Mr Stevens will focus on growing the number of financial planners within Intrinsic through training, recruitment and acquisition, supported by Mr Smith's 15-strong team which will remain with the school after his departure.

The Quilter Financial Adviser School offers a 58-week training programme for advisers as well as an advanced Level 6 diploma in financial advice.

The programme is open to any student sponsored by their advice firm or to Intrinsic-sponsored students who will become a restricted financial planner within the Intrinsic network and remain for at least two years once they’ve qualified.

Mr Smith said: "Financial advice can transform people’s lives but also represents a great career opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference. However, it’s one people either dismiss, because of their lack of financial knowledge, or it’s simply not on their radar.

"This is thankfully starting to shift as more and more people are seeing it as a meaningful career option. I’ve been immensely pleased to have been part of that shift and all the financial adviser school has and will continue to offer."

Andy Thompson, chief executive of Quilter’s advice businesses, said it was the advice industry's responsibility to ensure it is "resilient and is bringing in fresh blood" to the sector. 

He said: "More than ever, individuals are left to take personal responsibility for their financial futures and need financial advice. However, this growing supply is combined with a dwindling supply.

Mr Thompson added: "With Darren at the helm of the financial adviser school it has evolved into an industry leading training programme offering courses for a wide range of students. This is an exciting new chapter for Darren and we wish him all the very best for the future.

"Scott Stevens has a wealth of experience in financial services and I am confident he will continue to take the school from strength to strength, building on its already solid foundations."

rachel.addison@ft.com

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