Paul Etheridge, founder of Prestwood Software Ltd, has died at the age of 83.
Described as the ‘Godfather of financial planning’, Etheridge founded Prestwood Software almost 40 years ago and pioneered lifelong cash flow modelling in the UK.
Etheridge was the recipient of five lifetime achievement awards and has been heralded by his peers as “probably the most experienced and knowledgeable financial adviser in the UK”.
In addition to setting up Prestwood Software, Etheridge also founded the Institute of Financial Planners (IFP), now part of the CISI.
Etheridge held the IFP presidency for the first 10 years of its existence and was the first member of the first body in the UK to focus solely on financial planning.
He also ran the Advanced Planners Group for many years.
Etheridge insisted that everything should be about the client at a time when the emphasis elsewhere in financial services was on profits from sales, his peers have said.
He was also a mentor to many, with his reach going far beyond financial planning.
He has been described by his peers as someone who was “very much a believer in contributing to his community”.
Etheridge was chair of governors at Wycliffe School and was a member of the Territorial Army since 1960.
He also regularly gave his time to help support charities and bodies who might benefit from his expertise.
Commenting on his death Prestwood Software managing director, Ritchie Walton said: “To have worked alongside Paul for nearly three decades has been a privilege. His passion to share his knowledge with all who wanted to improve themselves and the financial planning profession was relentless.
“His presence will be sorely missed by many. We are thinking of his close family and friends at this sad time.”
FTAdviser's thoughts and condolences are with Paul's family at this time.
jane.matthews@ft.com
