Companies merge at crucial time for financial services sector
The merger between compliance services specialist Independent Development Solutions (IDS) and adviser training, compliance and consultancy firm Strategi Group was announced last week.
The move comes at a critical time, as AFAs, RFAs, adviser networks, and QFEs transition into the new regulatory regime and become financial advice providers (FAPs), financial advisers or nominated representatives.
IDS director Barry Read said: “The IDS team has been absolutely committed to ensuring our clients received the best service and advice possible”, Read said.
“It was clear that with the imminent regulatory changes, we needed to expand and make a massive financial commitment to meet the demand. This is now achieved via the merger with Strategi.”
The intention is to use the two companies’ combined expertise, staff and systems to meet the needs of all segments of the advisory industry, while at the same time helping to keep adviser compliance costs to a minimum.
Both companies have been growing to meet the demand from advisers for compliance and training services.
“We have been impressed with all the work and investment that Strategi Group has been making in technology in order to deliver compliance and adviser training services at an affordable price” Read added.
Strategi Group managing director David Greenslade said financial advisory firms will need to rationalise their business models over the next 12-24 months in order to thrive.
“We recognise that the next two years will be stressful for many financial advisers and advisory firms. We wanted to bring together under one team the best experience and resources available in the industry to make the adviser and business transition as smooth as possible,” Greenslade added.
The newly merged company will be based at both Strategi’s Albany offices and IDS’s Stonefields base from 1 March.
Related stories:
Body seeks brokers to help shape sector
Financial working group incorporated
