Veteran Financial Planner Francis Klonowski has won the CISI’s Certified Financial Planner Professional of the Year Award for 2026.
The award was presented at a Gala Dinner yesterday evening on the first day of the CISI’s Annual Financial Planning Conference near Windsor.
A well known figure in Financial Planning, Mr Klonowski CFP Chartered FCSI (Financial Planning) set up his solo advice firm, Leeds-based Klonowski & Co in 1996. He is in his mid-70s and has worked in the financial advice sector for decades. He continues to run his firm and has no plans to give up the reins.
Mr Klonowski is a multiple award winner and also has a long history of local volunteering. He has been involved in hospital radio for 45 years and is station chairman at Leeds Hospital Radio as well as being a DJ for the station, broadcasting an album show every Friday night.
Among other awards presented: Optimum Path won the CISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm of the Year; Rachel Bromhead of Cooper Parry won Paraplanner of the Year and Katrania Lowers Chartered FCSI, Colemore Partners won the Paul Etheridge Financial Planning Future Leader Award.
Warren Shute of Lexington Wealth won the Tony Sellon 'Good Egg' Award Memorial Prize.
Full List of Awards:
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professional of the Year Award, sponsored by Glascow Financial Services Training: WINNER: Francis Klonowski CFP Chartered FCSI (Financial Planning), Klonowski & Co.
- Paraplanner of the Year Award, sponsored by The Association of Investment Companies: WINNER: Rachel Bromhead MCSI, Cooper Parry
- CISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm of the Year Award. WINNER: Optimum Path
- Paul Etheridge Financial Planning Future Leader Award: WINNER: Katrania Lowers Chartered FCSI, Colemore Partners
- Tony Sellon 'Good Egg' Award Memorial Prize: WINNER: Warren Shute CFP Chartered FCSI (Financial Planning), Lexington Wealth Management
Chris Morris, Chartered MCSI, CISI head of Financial Planning policy & engagement said: “Congratulations to this year’s winners, both individuals and firms, who have demonstrated their outstanding commitment to Financial Planning excellence.
“Their contribution to the profession and dedication to ethical practice are helping to shape the future of holistic Financial Planning in the UK.
“Their achievements show the next generation of talent what a rewarding, purposeful and progressive career in Financial Planning can look like. They are raising the bar today while helping to build a stronger, more ambitious profession for tomorrow.”