Welcome to your March issue of Professional Paraplanner.
There has been rapidly growing recognition amongst advisory firms of the value that paraplanners can bring to their business. But that value goes beyond simply carrying out paraplanning duties. Often these days paraplanners can get more involved in the business itself, using their experience and analytical abilities to help the company develop and grow.
This issue we profile Warren Bentham, head of paraplanning at financial planning firm 75point3, who in wanting a role that is “as varied as possible”, is the epitome of a paraplanner who adds value to the advisory business.
With the Howwow debates on whether paraplanning needs an official national Paraplanning Standard now announced to take place between 4 and 17 March (see Events on the Professional Paraplanner website and this issue’s editorial) our Para-meters survey this issue takes a preliminary look at the issues, testing the water in advance of the debates.
The results of the debates could change paraplanning in the UK and we urge all paraplanners to get involved. There are three events taking place around the country and one virtual event on 17 March.
Also this issue:
Paraplanner Pointers
One paraplanner offers practical solutions when dealing with work overload
SIPPs
Top pointers for paraplanners tasked with conducting due diligence into SIPP providers
Fund manager interview
Rob Kingsbury talks to Solomon Nevins, manager of the Architas Diversified Real Assets Fund
Cashflow modeling
A Voyant Masterclass on Pension Freedoms and asset liquidation in relation to IHT
Platforms
Discovering the detail on how cash is managed on platform
Taxation
Understanding dividend tax and how it affects the balance between equity funds and investment bonds
Retirement income
Can buying an annuity-plus-drawdown packaged product beat buying the elements separately?
…and philosophy – and how it might apply to paraplanning – see Comment page 32.
Enjoy!!
Rob Kingsbury
Editor
Professional Paraplanner