The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment has appointed Financial Planning Today columnist and experienced Paraplanner Dan Atkinson, APP Chartered MCSI as the new chairman of the CISI Paraplanner Interest Group (PIG).

The group is open to all CISI members and non-CISI members who want to develop Paraplanning.

PIG runs a number of events during the year and its practitioner committee plays a key role in the organising of the CISI annual Paraplanner Conference.

Mr Atkinson is head of technical at EQ Investors and has been a CISI Interest Group member for four years. He takes over the role of chair from Farida Hassanali, CFP Chartered FCSI.

He recently passed with distinction the CISI Level 6 Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning. Outside of work he is a deacon with his local church and married with a young daughter.

Jacqueline Lockie, CFP CISI head of Financial Planning, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dan as chair of our Paraplanner Interest Group.

“He is passionate about both the Paraplanner profession and the development of its people. We look forward to building in 2020 on the excellent leadership provided by his predecessor Farida Hassanali and would like to thank her for her dedication and commitment to the group. We wish her well for the future.”

Mr Atkinson said: “I’m excited to be a part of the growing Paraplanner community – a part of our financial profession which is passionate about sharing best practice and new ideas. It’s an honour to belong to this community and help the CISI provide support to the members of the Paraplanner Interest Group.”

The CISI has 11 professional forums including ones covering Financial Planning, Fintech, Wealth Management and Paraplanning.