Ascot Lloyd, the Financial Planning and wealth management firm, has recruited a former head of Paraplanning to a senior new role as head of advice where she will lead a strategic review of the company’s advice process.

The review will include adding cashflow modelling and Court of Protection work as well as developing a panel of ‘best of breed’ products and platforms.

The Wokingham-based firm has appointed Jade Connolly to the newly created role of head of advice. One of her first roles will be to undertake a review of Ascot Lloyd’s advice process with the aim of “enhancing operational efficiency” to add value for clients.

Key initiatives include developing a panel of “best-of-breed products” and platforms to reduce risk and improve client outcomes. She will also establish a new technical unit supporting Ascot Lloyd’s current service offering as well as new business lines, such as cashflow modelling and Court of Protection work.

She will play a key role in creating a suite of advice tools to ensure better risk management, consistency and scalability of Ascot Lloyd’s proposition. She will be based in London and report to Ian Balgarnie, business development director.

Ms Connolly joins from Thomas Miller Investment, where she was head of Paraplanning for more than two years. She started her career in financial advice as a researcher at Ring Associates before joining Ashcourt Rowan as a Paraplanner.

Business development director Ian Balgarnie said: “Jade’s understanding of the financial advice process and extensive experience leading Paraplanning teams will play a significant role in enhancing Ascot Lloyd’s advice proposition.
“Jade will lead a number of strategic initiatives to grow the business organically and will support our ambition to become the UK’s leading IFA firm.”

Ms Connolly said: “Ascot Lloyd is a fantastic business with an exciting growth strategy. I look forward to working closely with its advisers and business development team to strengthen its advice offering and build upon the high quality of service it delivers to clients.”