The IFP’s chief executive has praised the passion shown by members, following the announcement of the proposed merger with the CISI.
Steve Gazzard CFP^CM said he was pleased to see such strong feeling for the organisation and also stressed that the board has felt the pressure to develop the profession just as intensely, if not more so, as members.

The IFP board told members yesterday that it would proceed onto the next stage of the merger arrangement, after the consultation.

The board has said it believes this will help spur the growth of the Financial Planning profession in the UK.

During the consultation 111 emails were received from members, with 97 taking part in webinars, 10 engaging in face to face meetings, as well as a number of one to one phone calls with board members The response from members was positive towards the merger overall, the IFP stated, revealing that of those who contacted it expressing a view, 154 were in favour of the merger and 36 against with 28 having no preference.

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Mr Gazzard said: “The deliberations regarding the strategic partnership strategy involving the CISI have invoked some passionate debates regarding what the IFP should do. It's great to see so much passion related to a professional body, and for many members the IFP is more than that.”

Mr Gazzard said: “The IFP board works extraordinarily hard to support members and have really struggled to work out what is right for the future of the profession with regards to delivering the growth our mission statement refers to. Never doubt that every one of the board feels that pressure as much if not more than the rest of the membership.”

He said: “The IFP has always had a great culture and I hope that this can be maintained whatever strategy the organisation follows. Whichever route the future of the IFP takes, I urge all members to get behind it and make it a success - it's the only way it will work.”

Mr Gazzard’s comments echoed those of IFP President Becky Taylor FIFP CFP^CM, who said the board appreciated “the honest discourse we have received from members”.

The aim is now to complete the merger by the end of this year depending on the outcome of contractual negotiations with the CISI.

The IFP will retain its brand and form a new Financial Planning Professional Forum within the CISI. Certified Financial Planner certification will be retained and promoted as well as offered to CISI members. CFP professionals will also be able to apply for the CISI’s Chartered Wealth Manager title.

The IFP Bristol office would close with the 15 staff offered the opportunity to move to the CISI in London.