Network Validpath has appointed experienced professional Roger Perry to spearhead the expansion of its proposition for IFAs.

Mr Perry joins from Defaqto where over the past 20 years he played a key role in the commercial success of its adviser software.

At Validpath he will be responsible for managing support services for members and adding new services.

The expansion of the Validpath IFA proposition will include developing existing provider offerings and relationships, enhancing the technical services available to members through service provider partners, and expanding the offering as the network invests in its technology, AI and people.

Tim Riseborough, group operations director at Validpath, said: “Roger’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening the support and service proposition available to our members, whether they are starting out, building their business or looking to exit.

“Roger brings a combination of advice sector insight, commercial acumen and real-world world experience in financial advice and technology, all of which will help us enhance our IFA proposition.”

His appointment follows the network launching its refreshed brand and website in May, at which time it reaffirmed its commitment to supporting IFAs.

Mr Perry said: “I have collaborated with Validpath within previous roles for over 7 years. In that time, I’ve seen first-hand the team’s commitment and their members’ passion for championing independent financial advice. It has always been clear to me that this is a core driver behind their position as the leading IFA proposition.”

ValidPath is part of financial services and technology group Rimbal. Based in Cardiff it was set up as an FCA-registered IFA network in 2002. It serves a network of more than 100 financial advisory businesses and independent financial advisers, mortgage brokers and support personnel and their clients across the UK.

It says it is the only network with multiple FCA authorisations, a captive insurance company providing PII certainty, Open Banking permissions, proprietary network management technology and a funded succession solution for IFAs (an alternative to consolidation).

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