By Brad Powar, Head of Technology
When you run a Directly Authorised (DA) financial advice firm, the responsibility for everything – your systems, security, compliance, and reporting – falls to you. There is freedom in that, but there is also a steep overhead cost in time, resources, and peace of mind. With technology advancing rapidly, particularly around AI, data security, and connectivity, many firms find themselves without the strategy or capacity to keep up.
At ValidPath, our mission is to support Independent Financial Advisers to operate and thrive, now and into the future. Technology is part of how we deliver on that mission. We give Members a framework that works today – and ensures they feel confident adapting to tomorrow’s innovations.
Integrated technology – ready from day one
DA firms may not have the time, capacity or expertise to explore and implement new technology solutions. Without that bandwidth, firms can struggle to identify strategic solutions, cost-effective options or adapt quickly to future developments such as AI integration and enhanced data governance.
At ValidPath, we are technology-enabled, and technology is a fundamental part of our business. Our current adviser systems suite demonstrates how this strategy is applied in practice today – providing Members with the tools they need, while ensuring we remain ready to adapt and enhance as technology evolves.
- Xplan – A fully integrated client and business management system. At ValidPath, it is preconfigured with workflows for fact-finds, reviews, and suitability reports, saving DA firms the time and cost of building their own setup.
- CashCalc – A cashflow planning tool that helps advisers create clear, interactive financial plans. It integrates with Xplan to streamline data entry and improve client experience.
- Defaqto – Independent product research software. Built into our advice process, it supports due diligence and helps demonstrate product suitability.
- Suitability Reports – A report builder that simplifies compliance. It enables DA firms to produce consistent, FCA-aligned documentation using pre-approved templates and guidance from our compliance team.
Through our Network Management Platform (NMP), we are able to centrally manage adviser lifecycles – from significantly simplifying the onboarding process with ValidPath to streamlining annual reporting requirements.
You benefit from:
- A faster, smoother onboarding journey
- Centralised oversight of your business activities
- Fewer manual processes and reduced admin burden
- Confidence navigating future technology advancements – from AI integration to data security – supported by our expert team
This functionality is available from day one, with minimal setup required and full support from the ValidPath team – saving you time, reducing stress, and ensuring everything runs smoothly from the start.
Better technology, lower cost
Technology is not just about performance; it is also about cost. As a DA firm, you are often paying close to retail prices for each individual system you use. At ValidPath, our scale allows us to negotiate preferential terms with providers. That means Members get access to enterprise-grade systems at significantly more competitive rates.
Systems are also preconfigured and maintained where possible to ensure you are always up to date with regulatory requirements and updated compliance workflows and processes.
This collective buying power is a key benefit of being part of the network. It allows you to benefit from industry-leading tools, without the high financial and administrative burden of managing them alone.
Because we are vendor-agnostic, every tool is evaluated on merit, tested thoroughly, and continually reviewed. Members know they will not be left behind on outdated systems but supported by solutions that evolve.
In-house technology support
We know that adopting new technology can be daunting. That is why our in-house technology team is there from day one – not just to help you get set up, but to ensure your systems continue to evolve with your business.
That support includes:
- Structured onboarding and data migration
- Training sessions and ongoing documentation
- Helpdesk access for day-to-day technical queries
- System optimisation and best-practice guidance
Because our technology team is embedded in the business, we can respond quickly and tailor our support to your specific setup.
Technology that helps IFAs to thrive – today and into the future
Our mission is to support Independent Financial Advisers to operate and thrive, now and into the future. That means ensuring Members feel confident in the face of rapid change.
Our technology framework is built on data, integration, and adaptability – designed to evolve alongside the needs of advisers and the wider industry. We are AI-ready and implementing front-and-back-office AI-driven solutions, but more importantly, we have a clear roadmap for how new tools will be deployed and where they add value.
The result is lasting confidence: the reassurance that you are not only supported today, but also prepared for tomorrow.
Interested to learn more about the benefits of joining ValidPath?
If you are considering a move from Direct Authorisation, technology is just one aspect of what makes joining ValidPath a good decision for you and your business.
Get in contact with us today and learn why hundreds of business owners choose ValidPath as the best proposition to support their business, now and into the future.
