Let’s be real, running a financial advice firm isn’t exactly the easiest gig these days, especially if you are directly authorised or thinking about that route. Costs are climbing faster than your clients’ expectations and if that wasn’t enough, markets seem to be throwing a new curveball every other week. It’s the kind of environment that can leave you feeling more like a firefighter than a financial adviser, constantly putting out one blaze just as another one sparks up.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to tackle it all on your own. A good financial services network isn’t just there to tick a few boxes or take up space on your letterhead. It’s your secret weapon for staying competitive, no matter what the world throws at you.
First up, let’s talk money because rising costs are no joke. From capital adequacy and compliance costs to office rents, technology and marketing…it’s all piling up.
For smaller firms, it can feel like every pound spent chips away at your bottom line. This is where being part of a network can make life a whole lot easier. Of course, networks have membership fees, nothing comes for free nowadays, but networks have this incredible knack for using their collective clout to negotiate better deals.
Whether it’s lower Professional Indemnity Insurance premiums or cost-effective tech solutions, they’re like that savvy mate who always finds a bargain when you’re stuck paying full price.
Saving money is just the start. Networks don’t just cut costs, they create efficiencies. By handling some of the time-draining admin or compliance tasks, they free you up to focus on what you do best: building client relationships and growing your business. It’s like having a magic wand to wave away the boring stuff, leaving you with the fun (and profitable) parts of the job.
Now, let’s talk about clients…
As significant wealth transfers from Baby Boomers to Millennials is estimated to be in the billions over the coming decades. Therefore, financial advisers will increasingly find themselves engaging with a new generation of clients who think, communicate and invest differently.
These younger clients often prioritise digital-first experiences, consider social and environmental impacts and they want on-demand, transparent advice. To stay relevant, advisers must evolve their communication strategies embracing technology, personalisation and values-based planning to build trust and to meet the expectations of this emerging client base.
This is where the right network can make all the difference. They’re not here to tell you how to do your job, they’re here to give you the tools to do it better. Whether it’s access to ESG-compliant portfolios, cutting-edge client engagement platforms or training that keeps you ahead of industry trends, a good network has your back. Plus, being part of a community means that you can tap into shared knowledge. Got a tricky client question? Chances are, someone in the network has tackled it before and can point you in the right direction.
Then there’s the markets. Oh, the markets.
One minute they’re up, the next they’re down and suddenly everyone’s talking about recessions, corrections and who-knows-what-else. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin, let alone your clients who are looking to you for reassurance.
Here’s where a network’s resources really shine. They’ve got the research, the insights and the strategies that help you to stay calm, confident and ready to guide your clients through whatever chaos the markets throw at them and that confidence? It’s contagious. When your clients see that you’re prepared and in control, it builds trust and trust is the foundation of any great client relationship.
So, if you’re sitting there thinking about how to keep up with rising costs, demanding clients and unpredictable markets, let me ask you this: why go it alone? Joining a network isn’t about giving up your independence or changing the way you work. It’s about getting the support that you need to do what you do even better.
The right network can be a game-changer. It helps you save money, streamline your processes and wow your clients, all whilst giving you the space to focus on growing your business. In a world that seems to get more complicated by the day, that kind of support isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential because here’s the truth: fighting alone is overrated and with the right network in your corner, you won’t just keep up, you’ll lead the pack.
Lyncombe is the ASHL Group’s industry leading pre-built advice proposition, where we have conducted the initial and on-going full research, due diligence and design decisions, enabling you to focus exclusively on client advice and service. Now, we know clients are demanding more, understandably so, and filtering through the whole of market for the best options is highly time consuming. That’s why we have done the work for you. Restricted advice doesn’t mean fewer choices, it often means better-filtered ones.
It’s about tailored solutions built on due diligence and research. Modern pre-built models balance efficiency with regulatory compliance, freeing up advisers to focus more on client relationships.
If this sounds like something that can help your business, check out our network services and benefits guide and get in touch with one of the team for a no obligation, initial discussion.
https://ashlgroup.turtl.co/story/lyncombe-network-services-and-benefits/page/1
