A Bath-based Financial Planning firm has demonstrated the 'highest standards' of Financial Planning practice, as laid down by the IFP, to achieve Accredited status.

Epoch Wealth Management has become an Accredited Financial Planning Firm after undergoing a rigorous examination process and being found to meet strict criteria stipulated by the IFP, which merged last month with the CISI.

Epoch, which had previously been presented with the Corporate Chartered status, joins just 75 firms nationally who have Accredited status.

To meet the IFP’s criteria for approval, Epoch had to show that it provided a comprehensive Financial Planning service and a clear fee structure to its clients.

The firm also had to demonstrate its commitment to the IFP’s professional code of ethics and practice standards, as well as having highly qualified and trained advisers.

Markas Gilmartin, Epoch founding partner, said: “Accredited status is awarded to a very small minority of firms nationally so we are naturally delighted and proud to join this exclusive group of leading IFAs.

“It’s further external recognition of our commitment to providing the very highest standards of service to all our clients. It means people can be confident that they are receiving the best possible financial advice to help them achieve their goals in life.”