Financial Planning firm founder and client wellbeing advocate Chris Budd and industry colleagues have launched the Institute of Financial Wellbeing.

The organisation says that the Institute is for anyone in financial service who wishes to help their clients to become “happier not just wealthier.”

The ‘not-for-profit’ Institute will research the principles of money and happiness and develop ways in which Financial Planning and advice firms can use this research in their businesses.

It will also collaborate with other organisations inside and outside the financial services community and organise events to spread the knowledge.

Mr Budd, who founded Ovation Finance in Bristol and also authors books about wellbeing and other topics, said: “Following the huge interest in the inaugural Financial Wellbeing Conference in June this year, I am delighted that so many people want to take this subject forward.

“We are at a pivotal moment for Financial Planning in the UK. There are many organisations, both new and well established, that are providing a hugely positive force for change and improvement.

“The goal of establishing this Institute is to bring people together under the umbrella of money and happiness, and we look forward to working with these other organisations.”

Catherine Morgan of The Money Panel said: “This new institute is a huge step towards bringing better outcomes for consumers with the focus on financial wellbeing. I can’t wait to help shape the future of this profession together.” 

Adam Owen, President of the PFS, said: “Financial Wellbeing is an important part of the landscape when it comes to ensuring good consumer outcomes, increased engagement and greater public trust.

“Having an institute dedicated to researching this area and promoting good practice should bring real benefits to the profession and I am excited to see how it develops."

The initial supporters of the Institute are: 

Colin Low                      Kingsfleet Wealth

Nick Platt                      Henwood Court

Nick Miles                     Med-Ex Financial Advisory Services

Matthew Aitchison        Clear Vision Financial Planning

Anthony Villis               First Wealth

Julie Lord                      Magenta Financial Planning

Gianpaolo Mantini        Higgins Fairbairn Advisory

Karen Taylor                 Elite Financial Consulting

Tom Morris                   Ovation Finance Ltd

Chris Budd                    Ovation Finance Ltd

Adrian Kidd                   Ovation Finance Ltd

Nicholas Lee                 Financial Life Plans

Catherine Morgan         The Money Panel

Richard Ellis                  Ellis Davies Financial Planning Ltd

Nick Davies                   Ellis Davies Financial Planning Ltd

Phil Billingham              Perceptive Planning

Shannon Currie             Perceptive Planning

Danielle Lecomber        Hall & Costello Wealth Management

Rachel Stewart              Stewart Wealth Management

Richard Allum               The Paraplanners

Nathan Fryer                Plan Works Ltd

Chris Daems                  Cervello Financial Planning

Raj Shah                       Blue Wealth Capital

Darren Cooke                Red Circle Financial Planning

Alan Smith                    Capital Asset Management

Phil Bray                       Yardstick Agency

The Institute can be emailed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.