21st June 2012

Young, gifted and RDR-ready: Census reveals makeup of Nucleus firms

Users of the Nucleus platform are young, highly qualified, and RDR-ready, according to the firm’s annual IFA Census into the practices and plans of member firms.

According to the study, conducted with 52 of Nucleus’ member firms, 97% of advisers are very or extremely confident about their businesses over the next three years despite the current economic climate. Even in the changing regulatory environment, those questioned feel positive with 100% viewing the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) as good for quality firms and suitable for their business models.

The Census also reveals that Nucleus members are:

• Young: Aged 45 compared to the average UK adviser aged 55[1]
• Qualified: 20% of advisers are chartered with another 5-10% considering or working towards this level
• Successful: The average Nucleus user reports a personal turnover of £200-£250k with 22% of advisers recording above this
• Ambitious: A third of users plan to buy businesses or client books, and 90% also plan to focus on organic growth

Commenting on the results, Rebecca Christensen-Rennie, communications director at Nucleus, said:

“We have always believed that Nucleus members are of the highest quality but our Census confirms this, showing them to be successful and ambitious advisers with a positive outlook on the future of financial advice in the UK.

“The Census is just another way we like to stay connected with our member firms. Only by understanding them and their businesses thoroughly are we able to provide them with the service they want and need.”

Investments