The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment says two new firms, including one run by Financial Planning Today columnist Nicola Watts, have become CISI Accredited Firms, an elite level of membership.

Jane Smith Financial Planning of Bucks and Thomas and Thomas of Pembrokeshire join a list of 69 Accredited Financial Planning Firms. 

To reach Accredited status firms have to prove their professionalism by meeting the "highest standards of excellence in Financial Planning", says the professional body.

There is an extensive list of requirements to become Accredited including:

• A full financial service for clients, including cashflow modelling
• Clear communication of their Financial Planning proposition to clients
• A consistent fee structure which is company-wide and clearly to clients
• Policies and procedures which are consistent with the CISI’s Code of Ethics and Practice Standards
• A business structure which reflects a clear fiduciary responsibility to clients

The CISI says firms must also have a “clear and visible” investment philosophy and staff must be aware of the firm’s Financial Planning service and how it differs from financial advice. At least 50% of the firm’s FCA registered advisers must be qualified as Certified Financial Planners and at least one director or partner of the firm must be also be a CFP professional.

Financial Planning Today columnist Nicola Watts CFP Chartered FCSI, director of Jane Smith Financial Planning, said:  “The CISI state that ‘Accredited Financial Planning Firms demonstrate excellence in everything they do and are recognised as some of the most trusted Financial Planning firms in the UK.

“They deliver a comprehensive Financial Planning service, helping clients achieve their life goals. They are the leaders in their profession, demonstrating the ultimate in professionalism through the calibre of the service they provide. This is music to our ears as we take great pride in putting our clients at the heart everything we do. “

Jane Smith FP team - Nicola Watts centre, back row

Darren Lloyd Thomas CFP Chartered MCSI, managing director of Thomas and Thomas said: “We have always strived to be the very best in our profession. We believe that our relentless commitment to qualifications and client service naturally led us to want to become a CISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm.  

“Financial Planning is such an important skill that we believe needs promoting to the general public and we are very proud to join the elite group of great firms who carry this coveted title.’   

Jacqueline Lockie CFP Chartered FCSI, CISI head of Financial Planning said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Jane Smith Financial Planning and Thomas & Thomas as Accredited Financial Planning Firms. I am delighted that more firms are wanting to become accredited and recognise the value in having Certified Financial Planners within their firms who offer a comprehensive Financial Planning service to their clients.”

The CISI is based in London and has 45,000 members in 111 countries spread across Financial Planning, investment and other financial sectors.