A national initiative has been launched to confront the growing shortage of qualified financial advisers, offering firms a heavily subsidised route to bring new talent into the profession.
The programme, created by LIBF — part of the Walbrook Institute London — in partnership with Future Financial Adviser, provides a pathway that is up to 95% funded for most employers, with administration, training and assessment handled centrally.
DEMAND FOR NEW ADVISERS
The average age of a UK financial adviser is now 58, and attrition among support staff has been rising. The sector has long warned that it faces a demographic challenge and a looming succession gap.
The new pathway aims to make entry into the profession more accessible and remove barriers for both young people and the firms that need to hire them.
The Walbrook pathways allow companies to recruit trainees directly and support them through level 3, 4 or 6 qualifications accredited by LIBF. Existing employees can also use the scheme to move into paraplanning or advisory roles.
Much of the cost is met by government apprenticeship funding. For large employers paying the apprenticeship levy, all training and qualification costs can be covered. Smaller firms can have up to 100% funded if a trainee is under 22 at the start of their programme, and up to 95% if they are older.
‘READY TO USE’ SUPPORT
John Somerville, director of financial services at LIBF, said: “This collaboration brings together education, industry, and innovation. The pathways provide a clear academic and professional structure, but crucially, they also make it easy for firms to participate.
“All the training, assessment, and funding administration are handled for them, and it’s been done with the input of some of the biggest names in the business.
“This means the package of support is ready ‘out of the box’ for firms to start the process as soon as possible.
“It’s a practical, scalable solution to the profession’s most pressing challenge.”
SUPPORT FROM ESTABLISHED FIRMS
A number of large advisory groups have backed the initiative, citing the need to improve long-term succession planning and reduce staff turnover.
Scott Stevens, managing director for business development and marketing at Mattioli Woods, said: “In a profession built on relationships and trust, continuity matters. These pathways give firms a way to invest in their own future – developing advisers who grow with the business and stay for the long term.”
NATIONAL RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN
The launch will be supported by a nationwide campaign aimed at students, parents and employers. Outreach will include school and university activity, digital promotion on TikTok and online forums, and a series of webinars for firms considering apprenticeship routes.
The first webinars, titled “Making apprenticeships work for your firm”, will take place on Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 8:30am and 12:30pm GMT. Each session runs for 30 minutes and firms may now register at the Walbrook website.
Employers are able to register their interest in joining the scheme from 24 November 2025.
