Larger IFA firms can reap many benefits from joining ValidPath, the network for independent financial advisers. Our Group Operations Director explains why.
By Tim Riseborough, Group Operations Director, ValidPath
Joining an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) network is often perceived as a move best suited to smaller firms and it’s easy to see why. Smaller firms can benefit from the additional resources, structure and support that networks provide.
But what about larger IFA firms – those with around 30 employees? Are there compelling benefits to them in joining an IFA network like ValidPath?
The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, many of the advantages that smaller firms experience are magnified for larger firms, especially in areas like compliance, technology integration and team support.
You shouldn’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at why larger firms should seriously consider the value that a network like ValidPath can bring, and how ValidPath works to overcome common difficulties that larger firms have when looking for an IFA network.
Compliance at Scale: Why Size Doesn’t Mean Simplicity
When it comes to compliance, who has it easier? Individual IFAs and smaller firms, or larger businesses?
It’s true that larger IFA firms are often more established, with their own internal compliance processes already in place. At first glance, it may seem like joining a network, particularly for compliance support, is unnecessary or even a hindrance. After all, larger firms have the resources to handle compliance themselves, don’t they?
Not quite. As businesses grow, often their compliance challenges do as well. Staying compliant with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requirements becomes exponentially more complex at scale. For a small IFA firm, adopting a new regulation might be a manageable task for a few advisers. But for larger firms, it’s a different story. The sheer volume of clients, advisers, and documentation can turn even minor compliance updates into major headaches.
At ValidPath, we recognise this challenge. That’s why our compliance support isn’t about adding more red tape or slowing you down with restrictive processes. Instead, we provide the guidance and tools that simplify compliance across larger teams, making sure that no matter your firm’s size, staying on the right side of FCA regulations feels effortless.
Freedom Within Compliance
Many larger firms fear that joining a network will introduce unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. Some networks indeed take a heavy-handed approach, requiring that all client advice must be reviewed and approved by them, leading to frustrating delays. At ValidPath, however, independence is our core principle. We provide support, not roadblocks.
We give your firm the freedom to operate independently while providing robust compliance tools and personal support to ensure that you meet FCA standards without compromising your speed or agility. Our Support and Monitoring teams understand that larger firms need flexibility, not restriction, and we tailor our compliance services to suit your firm’s unique setup.
My colleague Nicola recently wrote more about our unique approach to compliance support, which you can read more about here.
Integrated Technology: Driving Efficiency for Growing Firms
Compliance isn’t the only area where larger firms stand to gain by joining ValidPath. As firms grow, they often lose the agility they once had when they were smaller. Processes that worked for a 2-person team become cumbersome for a 30-person business. This is where our integrated technology solutions can make a real difference.
At ValidPath, we offer market-leading, integrated software that doesn’t just help you stay on top of regulations – it can transform how your firm operates at scale. By recording advice, compliance evidence and other crucial data in a single, integrated platform, we enable larger firms to regain the efficiency they may have lost as they’ve grown.
You’ll no longer have to juggle multiple systems or chase down data from different departments. Everything you need is streamlined and accessible, saving your team time and reducing the risk of human error.
For larger IFA firms, the potential to harness this technology isn’t just about saving time – it’s about unlocking growth. With more efficient systems in place, your advisers can focus on what they do best while your back-office team can work more effectively, knowing that your admin, compliance and other recording systems are always under control.
Seamless Onboarding and Ongoing Support
One of the biggest concerns larger firms have when joining a network is the transition process. Will it disrupt business? How long will it take to get the team up to speed? Will there be enough support to handle the switch?
At ValidPath, we make onboarding as smooth as possible. We understand that every firm is different, and our approach is flexible. Whether your firm requires detailed training sessions or a more hands-off approach, we adjust to fit your needs. Our goal is to make sure that joining the network is seamless for both owners and their teams.
We offer structured training programmes that get your advisers and support staff fully familiar with our systems and processes. From compliance requirements to technology tools, we ensure that everyone in your firm feels confident and equipped to operate within the network.
But our support doesn’t stop after onboarding. Our teams remain available to provide ongoing guidance and troubleshooting whenever it’s needed, ensuring that your firm continues to thrive long after joining ValidPath.
Putting Members First
The decision to join a network isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes or accessing new technology. It’s about finding a partner who understands the unique challenges that larger IFA firms face. That’s where ValidPath excels.
We pride ourselves on putting our members first, listening to their concerns, and providing solutions that support your success, no matter your size.
It’s this member-first approach that has earned ValidPath a strong reputation for retention. Our members stay with us because they trust that we’re here to help them grow – not restrict them. And we bring that same commitment to larger firms, offering the tools, support and independence that empower them to continue to grow.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
With ValidPath, your larger IFA firms can gain all the advantages of network membership – compliance support, integrated technology and ongoing training – while retaining the independence that has driven your success so far.
Joining ValidPath isn’t about giving up control. It’s about gaining the support and resources that will help your business thrive and scale.
Join ValidPath
