The CISI revealed the latest form to join an elite list of 72 of its Accredited Firms is an Inverness-based Financial Planner.

The CISI said Watson Wood Financial Planning had officially been recognised as a CISI Accredited Financial Planning Firm.

This means that Watson Wood Financial Planning have “demonstrated their professionalism by meeting the highest standards of excellence in Financial Planning.”

For a firm to become an Accredited Financial Planning Firm the CISI says it must:

• Evidence that it meets strict criteria in relation to the delivery of Financial Planning

• Place clients at the heart of its business proposition and ensure they receive consistently excellent service

• Re-confirm it meets the standards on an annual basis to retain its Accredited Financial Planning Firm status.

In addition, the firm’s individual or supervisor of team in charge of all FCA registered Financial Planners offering a Financial Planning service must be qualified as a Certified Financial Planner or the majority of the Financial Planners in the company are Certified Financial Planners.
 
Kevin Watson, a director of Watson Wood Financial Planning, said: “For any Financial Planning firm, Accredited Firm status is an affirmation of the high-quality proposition offered to clients. 

“It also reflects the professionalism and expertise our clients receive, day in and day out. 

“We were delighted to meet the rigorous criteria which firms must adhere to before attaining Accredited status.”
 
Jacqueline Lockie CFP Chartered FCSI, the head of Financial Planning at the CISI, said: ”It is a real pleasure to have Watson Wood onboard as our latest Accredited Financial Planning Firm. 

“There is a recognition in the financial planning community that Certified Financial Planner designation along with a set of strong entry criteria, which includes a clearly defined internationally recognised financial planning process, investment philosophy and cashflow planning service, is a positive differentiator for those offering a full financial planning service to their clients on a daily basis.”