Paradigm Mortgage Services has announced that its first free Direct Authorisation (DA) Transition workshop which will take place in London on 14 January.

The event is the first ever Paradigm workshop dedicated to helping firms either move from appointed representative (AR) to DA status, or supporting individuals new to the industry or within advisory practices who wish to go on their own and set up their own DA firms.

The workshop will take place at the Grange Holborn Hotel with registration starting at 10am, and include a range of presentations from senior Paradigm staff providing an insight into what is involved in the process, what is required, and the support that can be provided with the FCA Application.

There will be presentations from Paradigm CEO, Bob Hunt; head of protection, Mike Allison; mortgage technical director, Christine Newell; head of proposition, David Ryder and compliance partner, Graeme Stewart.

The presentations will address the following topics:

• Increasing understanding of what to expect on becoming DA
• Understanding what to consider when deciding whether it is the right time/move
• Outlining the initial and ongoing costs involved in going DA
• Detailing the support that Paradigm can offer.

Attendance at the half-day event will be completely confidential and no third-party lenders, providers, networks or support service firms will be at the workshop.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided and there will also be time for delegates to network with both Paradigm staff and fellow attendees.

Hunt said: “Many advisers use the Christmas and New Year holiday period to ponder not just the year ahead but whether now might be the right time to change their regulatory status, to move away from a network arrangement, or to leave their firm and set out on their own. The pathway to DA for such individuals and firms can seem challenging but this free workshop is aimed at demystifying this journey, setting out the process, and very importantly showing the support that is available.

“We will have presentations on leaving a network and what to be aware of, on what to expect in terms of FCA fees and timescales, plus we’ll look at the compliance and business requirements that come with being a DA. It is sure to be a very informative morning and we believe will help those who wish to make the transition, to plan their move and to get the most of it. We’re looking forward to this first workshop in London and to potentially running more of these around the country during 2019.”