This year the company extended its client offering by adding Praemium, the global unwrapped platform provider.
This gives clients the option of a global, centralised investment proposition with consistent and portable multi-currency investment choices.
But challenges remain in the market. World markets are going through a turbulent time while there is increased scrutiny on ensuring transparency inthe sector.
On top of this, advisers are having to maintain good returns and deliver high-quality advice.
Chief commercial officer David Pugh says: “[Our] current focus is on harnessing the opportunities available from the latest technology for the benefit of clients to ensure better segmentation of information, and maintaining our ongoing commitment to being compliant while recognising each client’s need for pertinent, timely information which takes into account the latest data practices and legislation.”
The company is also developing in-house knowledge and expertise through a trainee adviser scheme and year-long internships to attract and develop new talent.
5: Mazars Financial Planning
The biggest challenge for Mazars Financial Planning has been integrating its acquisition of RCL Consultancy.
Coming in at fifth place, marginally lower than its third place ranking in 2018, the company said bringing acquired clients onto a new service proposition took longer than anticipated.
Mazars acquired chartered financial business RCL Consultancy from Embarkin 2017.
The company’s five-year plan is to increase its turnover to £30m, and grows its funds under management to £3bn.
According to the list compiled by Matrix Solutions, Mazars recorded FUM of £1.1bn in 2019, up from £940m in 2018.
A spokesperson for Mazars says: “Bringing the acquired clients onto a new service proposition and dealing with staff retraining took longer than expected.
“This required [a] real focus on ensuring this was completed. We are now seeing the results of our investment.”
The company has focused on staff engagement and in January Mazars restructured the business to ensure shared team goals.
It also wants to develop its graduate and adviser training scheme.
Mazars offers a Chartered Insurance Institute training programme that lasts forthree years.
Ian Pickford, partner and head of private client services at Mazars Financial Planning, says: “We recognise the effect that performing well in the survey has on our business. It provides objective recognition that the business is achieving one of its objectives of being one of the leading financial planning and wealth management firms in the UK.”
The ranking can be found here
