Tools & Research

Data and information to help you with your day-to-day business

Platform Adviser Guide

Platform selection and due diligence

The FSA have highlighted issues around the complexity of the expanding number of platform propositions and the costs of transacting business specifically the transparency of those costs and charges.

It is essential that firms complete due diligence and complete a structured approach to the selection of a platform for their business and to ensure a robust process is followed, including initial and continuing due diligence.

Suitability

We see the choice of platform as a business decision akin to the choice of the IT hardware and software on which to run traditional business applications or back-office systems.

In the early days it may have been logical for an IFA firm to use a number of platforms given that the functionality then offered was not as comprehensive as it is today. However, as the numerous propositions have evolved and new providers have entered the market competitive pressures have improved the level of functionality on offer, making the case for the use of one solution much more defensible and logical from a business perspective.

Naturally, at the next level down, firms must adopt a robust investment selection process to apply an agreed set of methodologies to the various product wrappers and fund choices.

FREE Independent Guide

Use our Platform Adviser Guide to learn how you can change your business model and ease the transition to a recurring income model whilst also ‘transforming' your back-office processes, creating the foundations to build value in your firm, encourage the development of ongoing reviews and help achieve longer-term financial sustainability.

Our Guide includes a full market overview, detailed factsheets on the 13 leading platforms plus a due diligence process.

Go to http://www.rsmgroup.co.uk/ to register and download you FREE copy. 

  • About Us
  • Who we are
  • Benefits & Offers
  • Become a Partner

In February 2007 Derek Bradley founded PanaceaIFA as he saw a widening gap between the quality of retail distribution service and resource support offered to directly regulated IFA firms when compared to Networks and larger advisory firms.

He launched the free portal later that year with support from eight financial services providers, which has since increased more than fourfold. The industry support list for what we do is an endorsement in itself for the quality of the project.

PanaceaIFA aims to empower IFA’s by providing free online access to the very latest resources, tools, research, educational support, ideas, views and technical intelligence from product providers and support services all in one place.

In a post RDR world, what we offer will become vital due to FSA restrictions on support given to networks and national IFA firms being subject to severe fiscal scrutiny and regulatory restraint

We have established a thriving web based community, and communicate twice a week with our free twice weekly email “Bento” bulletin to almost 10,000 individuals where members are kept updated with the latest news, comment and industry trends. 

We also ensure directly regulated IFA firms are given all the support they need via carefully planned strategic communication activities and ideas, implemented via the website www.panaceaifa.com.

PanaceaIFA are active within social media, winning an online 2011 poll as the Top IFA related Tweeter with some 2,000 Twitter followers and LinkedIn group members. PanaceaIFA is a place where IFAs and Providers and support services alike engage in discussions and exchange views on issues affecting their businesses.

PanaceaIFA's industry profile is one of an authoritative and well-respected voice within the financial services industry with IFAs, sponsors, media, providers, financial services organisations/bodies and government representatives alike.

In 2010 PanaceaIFA was shortlisted for Best Website for IFAs in the Professional Adviser Awards and again in 2011 for Best Network/Support Services Award, cementing its position as a website of choice for directly regulated firms.

PanaceaIFA is knowledge-driven, linking the loose connections between the directly regulated Independent Financial Advisers and product providers. It is an independent industry-supported portal which corrects the service imbalance with providers in a way that is RDR friendly and free to use.

Derek BradleyDerek Bradley, CEO
Derek Bradley is the founder and ceo of PanaceaIFA.

After an early career at Lloyd’s of London, he went on to learn about the importance of customer service, working for BOAC, the forerunner of British Airways, something further reinforced during his time as a broker consultant at Scottish Equitable.

Derek went on to set up his own successful IFA business which he ran for 18 years before selling it in late 2006.

Derek spotted an altruistic opportunity to provide a better service to directly authorised IFAs and in 2007 PanaceaIFA was born.

Born: Southend on Sea
Lives: Southern Spain
Likes: Swimming, Sailing, Skiing, Cycling, being creative, standing up for those who have no voice, reading and writing
Dislikes: The words ‘no’ and ‘can’t’!
Books:  History and biographies- latest read Keith Richards
Film: Apocalypse Now
Album: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Anthology
Career Ambition- Create a legacy for the industry with PanaceaIFA
Life ambition- To keep healthy and creative

Sarah PaulSarah Paul, Marketing Director
Sarah is responsible for the development and implementation of the marketing and communications strategy for PanaceaIFA and its eBusiness proposition. 

She joined PanaceaIFA from MetLife where she was Marketing Manager. During her 13 years’ within the financial services industry, she has also held marketing and eBusiness roles at Hartford Life Limited, RBS Insurance and Merrill Lynch.

Born: London
Lives: Essex
Likes: Gardening, baking, travelling, walking my two Labradors and list writing!
Dislikes: Rudeness, rules without logic, inconsistency, cucumber
Books:  Bella Mafia by Lynda La Plante
Film: Shawshank Redemption or The Usual Suspects
Album: Forty Licks by Rolling Stones or Innocent Man by Billy Joel
Career ambition: To grow the PanaceaIFA brand to become the website of choice of directly regulated IFA’s
Life ambition: To visit as much of the planet as possible

James BradleyJames Bradley, Head of e-Relationships

James is responsible for managing the day to day relationships with our partner firms as well as working on updating partner site content and bulletin publishing.

He joined PanaceaIFA from Microsoft where he was a European Financial Analyst.  Prior to that he has held similar positions with Hewlett Packard, Sony, and Mercedes Benz. His experience gained in the IT industry is being put to good use as PanaceaIFA grows.

Born: Reading
Lives: Wokingham
Likes: Swimming, working out
Dislikes: Eggs
Books:  Autobiographies
Film: Apollo 13
Album: Paul Simon Gracelands
Career Ambition: To see PanaceaIFA become the best it can be
Life ambition: Travel as much as I can and have more passport stamps than Sarah

Benefits of becoming a member

  • PanaceaIFA is free to IFAs thanks to the support of our sponsors and partners.
  • PanaceaIFA will save you time as access to Product Provider tools & resources can be found all in one pace
  • PanaceaIFA provides access to market intelligence and research materials which can help raise your awareness and understanding of the financial services market
  • The twice-weekly Bento Bulletin provides timely industry news and opinion directly to your inbox
  • By using the PanaceaIFA forums as a sounding board for opinions and queries you can become part of a community
  • Increase your product knowledge and aid business development by accessing training, education and business advice
  • PanaceaIFA is an ambassador for the directly-regulated IFA – your concerns are heard and escalated!

PanaceaIFA is also always working to get great deals and special offers available especially for PanaceaIFA Members.  These include:

Sytner
The affinity scheme between Sytner Group Corporate Sales and PanaceaIFA has been designed to give PanaceaIFA members the opportunity of being in the driving seat of some exciting automotive brands. You can benefit from exclusive supply terms to over 20 leading motoring brands from one of the UK’s largest automotive groups, plus a host of additional services.

The Shopping Club

PanaceaIFA have teamed up with The Shopping Club, to bring you great savings and offers at many high street stores, online retailers and more.  With over 200 high street retailers, 1,200 online retailers and 4,500 local merchants offering discounts and savings up to 50% both in store and online, membership will make a real diference to your back pocket!

PanaceaIFA is designed by IFAs for IFAs.  It offers advisers throughout the country the chance to share ideas, discuss industry issues and develop a dialogue with the UK’s leading financial service providers as part of a unique online community.

So please do use Panacea to the full, tell your industry friends and colleagues about us, and help build a unique community that serves your needs.

Join us today
There are many ways to join – just visit our follow us page and choose the method that suits you best.

How to work with our community

Going forward, the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) will impact greatly upon providers who rely on the network and national IFA model to distribute their products. The remuneration model will change as will the support model. All of a sudden the directly regulated IFA has become attractive again as they currently are best equipped to deal with the changes proposed for 2012, but how do providers engage with their world again?

If you are a life assurance, investment, pension and retirement product provider and want to find a realistic and cost effective way to reconnect with the valuable distribution channel of directly regulated IFA firms, then look no further than PanaceaIFA.

Opportunities also exist for strategic partners to promote tools, training, back office or legal services and regulatory support to our IFA members.

We offer a range of solutions from full partnership status to stand-alone promotional opportunities. 

If you would like to join our prestigious panel of partners or find out more about our advertising opportunities, please call Derek Bradley on 07595 892930 or email derekbradley@panaceaifa.com for a media pack.  Don’t forget to read our Media coverage page for further information about PanaceaIFA in the press.

Contact Us

For general enquiries
For any questions or queries about the site please contact us and we will endeavour to reply to you within 24 hours.

For website queries
If you are experiencing connectivity problems, please contact your service provider or email our webmaster for any technical details, with a brief explanation of the problem.

To become a Partner or for advertising opportunities
To obtain sponsor, affiliate or strategic partner status email us.

 

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