Wealth firms are developing a number of programmes to help build and keep talent at a time when intergenerational wealth transfer and skill shortages are a problem.

UK wealth manager Evelyn Partners has just announced the launch of a financial planning graduate programme, highlighting how talent management remains an important wealth sector focus.

The scheme, which will receive its first cohort in September, will teach recruits how to build relationships with clients, assess their complete financial position, build flexible plans and provide appropriate recommendations of services and products, the firm said in a statement. 

Evelyn's strategy comes amidst the talent crunch facing the wealth management sector, accentuated by the fact that the average age of advisors in countries such as the US is rising. With the advent of a big intergenerational wealth transfer, the sector needs to hold on to younger clients. Firms need to generate a new cohort of managers. Ascot Lloyd, a UK independent financial advisor, for instance, has developed a new Ascot Lloyd Adviser Academy. Wealth manager St James's Place also has an academy programme in place. See more here and here.

Evelyn Partners’ financial planning initiative – which is initially being offered in London, Glasgow and the North-West – builds on the existing investment management and professional services graduate programmes.

Graduates will receive guidance and support from Evelyn Partners’ learning and development team and training contact for their department to ensure that they have what they need to realise their potential. They will also be supported in completing their professional qualification via partnerships with training providers. This will allow them to gain the knowledge needed for their career in financial planning.

“The launch of our financial planning graduate programme forms part of our ongoing commitment to invest in our people and provide the best possible teams to work with our growing client base,” Emma Sterland (pictured), head of financial planning at Evelyn Partners, said. 

“While we have been continuing with our strategy to bring experienced hires to Evelyn Partners, we are equally passionate about supporting the next generation of financial planners to start their careers in the profession,” she added.   

“We believe that hands-on experience is key to creating well-rounded trusted advisors and, as such, graduates will work on front office financial planning tasks alongside studying for the Personal Finance Society Diploma, before moving forward to becoming a Chartered Financial Planner through the Chartered Insurance Institute,” Sterland said. “The training will ensure that graduates will develop a broad range of skills whilst learning how to apply their new knowledge to real client scenarios. Graduates will join as part of a cohort with their own personal support network, including a buddy to offer first-hand experience, so they won’t be on their own.” 

Headquartered in the UK, Evelyn Partners has £55.6 billion ($70 billion) of assets under management, with a range of offices across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands.