Four past IFP presidents have thrown their weight behind a proposed merger with the CISI.
Ian Shipway FIFP, CFP^CM, Jane Wheeler FIFP CFP^CM, Campbell Edgar CFP^CM FIFP and Barry Horner CFP^CM have backed the move, saying they believe it would be beneficial for the future of Financial Planning.

A consultation is running with members until 3 September, with the board meeting the day after to make a decision.

Mr Horner said: “The key beneficiary of good Financial Planning is the UK consumer. The challenge however is that most UK consumers have never heard of Financial Planning or how to access it. The proposed merger of IFP and CISI gives me real hope that this will change. CISI has size, scale and significant resources and a preparedness to get the Financial Planning message out to those that need to hear it.”

He said: “The creation of a larger professional body that genuinely seeks to put Financial Planning on the map in the UK is a step that I embrace and whole heatedly endorse. CISI has a strong and highly respected brand both nationally and internationally and are an organisation where their values map closely to those of the IFP. I for one, will be fully supporting the new merged business and their future plans.”

Ms Wheeler said: “A merger with CISI would give our emerging Financial Planning profession a great boost with enhanced resources becoming available help us to expand our existing programmes and to attract a larger membership. I believe that it would provide greater facilities for practitioners and enable us to continue to develop the profession of Financial Planning for the benefit of consumers in UK which I believe to be very important.

“I am fully supportive of the proposed merger and excited for the future of Financial Planning should it proceed following the consultation with members which is taking place now.”

Mr Shipway said: “I believe that it were it to go through, it would be a very positive development in our mission of gaining recognition for the profession of Financial Planning. Aligning the complementary skills that we each bring to the table can only reinforce the professionalism of practitioners from both disciplines and enrich the experience for consumers. As an integral component of a financially strong and globally respected entity we have the opportunity to build on the excellent work done by the IFP to date and bring the achievement of our mission closer.”

Mr Edgar said: "CISI has some significant strengths such as a wide , large membership, an international reach, and a strong examination infrastructure as well as Chartered status from which all Financial Planners could benefit. Moreover CISI will also be strengthened as it adopts the practical tenets of Financial Planning in practice. In my experience there is nothing that makes wealth management more compelling than its combination with a Financial Planning structure. It's immensely powerful. Planners, wealth managers and the investing public will all benefit."

A series of face to face meetings and webinars are taking place for members to ask questions and find out more from the board.

Anyone who would like to set up a 1-1 phone call with a member of the IFP Board can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment.

For any other queries or to provide your feedback email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.