Staffordshire-based Oakfour, Santorini Financial Planning in Leicestershire and Empower Partners in London have all achieved AFPF status.

The three additions bring the total number of CISI, UK-wide Accredited Financial Planning Firms to 58.

The achievement demonstrates the highest standards of excellence in Financial Planning, the CISI said.

The CISI is the London-based professional body which awards the Certified Financial Planner qualification.

Chris Morris, CISI head of Financial Planning policy and engagement, said: “It’s a huge pleasure to welcome these three firms to the CISI AFPF community. Their clients can be reassured that the firms have reached the pinnacle of professionalism.”

Kevin Wood of Oak Four said: “We would like to thank our clients for their trust and confidence in our team. We look forward to continuing to serve them with the same level of commitment, expertise, and excellence that has helped to earn us the Accredited Financial Planning Firm designation.”

Matthew Walne of Santorini said: “To be considered among the very best Financial Planning firms in the UK is a real honour. It's great to be recognised for my firm’s commitment to providing a comprehensive Financial Planning proposition. Hopefully, as a result, our clients have increased confidence in my firm’s ability to help them achieve and maintain their lifestyle.” 

Paul Jardine of Empower Partners said: “We started Empower in 2021 as a wealth management business with a mission to empower as many people as possible to make better financial decisions. We’re proud to have achieved the milestone of being recognised as a CISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm. Their recognition demonstrates our commitment to providing all our clients with a comprehensive financial planning service to help them achieve their financial goals.”

• Any Financial Planning firms interested in applying to become a CISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.