Three firms of advisers, Ardent Financial Planning, Key Financial Planning and Pyrford Financial Planning, have gained CISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm (AFPF) status.

The three new firms boost the total of AFPF firms to 55.

Chartered Firm accreditation highlights that the firm is operating at the highest level of professionalism in Financial Planning, the CISI said

Ardent Financial Planning is a Chartered Financial Planning firm based in York. The team includes a further three Financial Planners and is led by CISI Chartered managing director Mark Fisher.

Key Financial Planning, based in Birmingham, is a holistic Financial Planning firm specialising in retirement planning, investments and estate planning. The firm also works with personal injury and clinical negligence clients.

Pyrford Financial Planning specialises in retirement planning, tax planning and investment management. Founded by James Mousley and Noel Watson, the firm is based in Weybridge, Surrey.

James Mousley, co-founder of Pyrford Financial Planning, said: “Noel and I set up Pyrford Financial Planning Ltd to deliver the highest quality of retirement planning and with a commitment to continually improve the services to the families we are privileged to support. This achievement recognises our dedication to delivering excellence and validates our process for ensuring great retirement outcomes for clients.”

In order to become accredited, firms must meet ‘rigorous criteria’ set by the CISI. Those who achieve the status have all demonstrated a commitment to excellence in providing a comprehensive, holistic financial planning service and fostering high ethical standards by having policies in place that align with the CISI’s Code of Conduct.

Chris Morris, Chartered MCSI and CISI head of financial planning policy and engagement, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Ardent Financial Planning, Key Financial Planning, and Pyrford Financial Planning as our latest Accredited Financial Planning Firms. All firms have demonstrated their client-centric approach, and with Certified Financial Planner professionals driving their service.”