Masthead launches dealer group

Masthead Financial Planning?s CEO, Francois Smith

Masthead has widened its scope of services for independent financial advisors by launching Masthead Financial Planning, a dealer group that offers advisors practical support to ease the regulatory burden and increase the advisor’s efficiency and profitabi

“But added responsibilities as business owner and key individual have taken their toll over the past few years. Advisors find themselves spending less time with clients, while having to cope with greater business pressure, risk management and spiraling operating costs.”

Masthead Financial Planning was launched to address this situation. According to Smith, it presents a solution for advisors who would like to operate under a single master licence for more protection from risk, as well as protection of income streams and client bases.

By joining Masthead Financial Planning, advisors will be able to focus more on clients and delivering financial planning solutions,” says Smith. “We take care of many back-office and compliance duties on the advisor’s behalf so the advisor has more time to see clients.”

Through the dealer group, the advisor enjoys benefits such as:

· Protection against advice risk

· Business support

· Choice of quality and sustainable product provider offerings with no production targets or “micro” management

· Group professional indemnity cover

· Financial needs analysis tools, together with training

· Customer relationship management software and support

· Compliance assistance in the advice process

· Key Individual responsibilities

· Customised business development support

· Insight to help grow and maximise the capital value of the advisor’s revenue streams

Succession planning is one of the key prongs of the group’s value proposition. Advisors in the dealer group have access to a facilitated buy and sell option and a pool of ready buyers at the time of exit. This ensures that clients always have an advisor attending to their financial plan.

Operating under the Masthead brand offers yet another benefit for advisors seeking to join a dealer group. “Masthead was launched in 2004 with the sole objective of supporting independent financial advisors and has remained true to this goal,” says Smith. “Masthead is known in the industry for providing professional support.

From a client perspective, those seeking financial services can be assured that advisors operating under the Masthead licence uphold Masthead’s values and professionalism, are qualified, objective and compliant and strive to deliver quality advice and service,” he adds.

Before accepting his position as CEO, Smith fulfilled the role of Masthead’s Head of Valuations and Transitions. He has operated in an advisor environment since 1989 and has in-depth knowledge of the world of advice.

Smith is supported by an experienced team of staff and a board of directors selected for their extensive industry experience, sound business acumen and excellent track records. The directors are Ian Middleton, managing director; Laurence Muller; Peter Dempsey, former MD of Masthead; Phil Mnisi, independent non-executive director; and Iain Williamson, the board chairman.

“The launch of Masthead Financial Planning is our latest response to advisors’ needs for additional support. We believe our dealer group will assist in ensuring that financial advice remains an attractive and viable career option,” says Smith.

For more information on what Masthead Financial Planning can offer you, please contact Samir Abdul at info@mastheadfp.co.za or 021 686 6364.