2020 marks 15 years since the launch of the PFS, prompting the professional body to reflect on past and future developments.
Since being established in 2005 via the merger of the Society of Financial Advisers and the Life Insurance Association, the PFS has evolved into the sector’s leading professional body, with a membership of 40,000 at the start of this year.
Inaugural president of the PFS, Brian Steeples of Turris in Glasgow, said: “The whole sector should be proud of just how far it has come in such a short space of time. Qualification levels are a stark indicator of how financial advice has moved from an industry into a more trusted profession.”
The PFS offers a comprehensive continuing professional development programme, with full-day events delivered every month in 27 locations across the UK, plus webinars and good practice guides.
In addition, 2020 will also see the return of the Festival of Financial Planning to Birmingham’s NEC in November. The 2016 event attracted 3,500 delegates and delivered more than 70 breakout sessions.
During the past decade, the PFS has also increased its engagement and influence with government, regulators
and consumer groups.
Recent initiatives include the creation of The Pension Advice Taskforce, resulting in the creation of Pension Transfer Gold Standard.
