Thinking About Becoming a Financial Planner? Watch This First

TIMESTAMPS BELOW...

After 15 months of mentoring aspiring financial planners, Dave Robinson is finally stepping back - but not before sharing everything he’s learned.

He’s recorded one final, in-depth conversation to support anyone considering a career in the profession.
It’s packed with honest, practical advice:
• Understanding the different approaches within financial planning
• Choosing your philosophy before picking your route
• How to make a standout direct approach to a firm
• Assessing a firm’s stability using Companies House and ownership structures
• Why back-office experience builds better planners
• The benefits of specialising in a niche - and how to find yours
• How to approach qualifications - and why RO2 is a better starting point than RO1

Dave has helped dozens of new entrants over the past year. While he's now focused on voluntary initiatives, this video is his way of continuing to give back.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 – Understanding the Profession
What is a financial adviser?
The divide between transactional/product-based and holistic planning.

00:04:08 – First Steps into the Profession
Choosing your philosophy before choosing your route.
Regulated advice vs. non-product advice.

00:11:22 – Networking and Industry Connections
The importance of relationship-building.
How to make a standout direct approach to a firm.
Handwritten letters, transferable skills, and self-starters.

00:15:30 – Choosing the Right Firm
Using websites and Companies House to assess stability.
Ownership structures, self-employed models, and red flags.

00:22:04 – Gaining Experience and Getting Your First Role
Why back-office experience is invaluable.
Understanding the entire advice process and firm dynamics.

00:33:30 – Specialising and Finding Your Niche
Why niching matters commercially and professionally.
Examples: Later life, vulnerable clients, ex-military, sports professionals.

00:42:45 – Going Self-Employed vs. Working for a Firm
Risks, isolation, FCA challenges, and why joining others is usually better.

00:52:25 – Training, Qualifications, and Routes into the Industry
CISI vs. CII (PFS) vs. LIBF.
Which exams to take first and why RO2 beats RO1.

01:06:43 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Financial Planners
Take your time, think long term, and put clients first.
Network, explore the profession, and plan your route carefully.