RMS Advisory, a new financial advisory firm founded by Rugby World Cup winner Francois Louw, has joined Financial Planning network Sanlam Partnerships. 

Bath-based Mr Louw was part of South Africa’s winning 2019 Rugby World Cup team before spending nearly a decade playing for Bath before retiring earlier this year.

After qualifying as a financial adviser in 2019 he founded RMS Advisory, an independent advice firm with a specialist sports arm aimed at helping professional athletes manage their finances.  

Sanlam Partnerships, Sanlam’s network for UK authorised representatives, will supply Paraplanning and compliance support to RMS Advisory.  

Francois Louw, director and wealth adviser at RMS Advisory, said: “I have been lucky enough to receive great financial advice throughout my sports career, but for many others the financial side can be overwhelming.

“I believe all professional athletes should be able to retire in a relatively comfortable position, so my goal is to help other athletes build a solid financial plan enabling them live well even after their professional sports careers come to an end.  

“After looking at the options, I felt Sanlam Partnerships was by far the best on offer. It provides RMS Advisory the ability to retain its independence, which is key, but also the bespoke Paraplanning and compliance support it needs. I have been completely blown away by the guidance we have received so far, and I’m confident in being able to hand over the day-to-day responsibility for things such as compliance, so I can focus on getting out there and helping clients.” 

Rod Stewart, head of Sanlam Partnerships, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Francois and his firm RMS Advisory to the Sanlam Partnerships group. Sanlam Partnerships offers firms a flexible outsourced offering and we look forward to supporting Francois and his team as they continue to grow the business.” 

Sanlam Partnerships works with authorised representatives or directly authorised firms. Services on offer include compliance support, investment management, training, fund research and Paraplanning administration. Sanlam also partners by buying equity in firms as well as lending for acquisition.  

Parent company Sanlam Limited is an international financial services group listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Businesses in the UK include Sanlam Private Wealth, Sanlam Wealth Planning and Sanlam Partnerships which has over 100 IFA members.