Taking the academy route to becoming an adviser

St James’ Place launched its academy in 2012, after a pilot period.

Since then, more than 1,000 budding advisers have been welcomed through its doors, with 844 still part of the SJP network today.

While some have gone on to work within an existing practice, the academy has also led to the creation of 658 new SJP adviser businesses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Those qualifying through the academy come from all walks of life, with many seeking a second career, either coming from a financial services background or from a quite different discipline, while others join following higher education.

The academy has welcomed 66 ex-professional sports players and 29 with a military background. The average age of those graduating over the ten-year period is 34, compared with the industry average age of 57 for advisers.

In this episode of the Money Marketing podcast, chief reporter Lois Vallely chats to Andy Payne – head of the academy – and four graduates: Ovie Onomakpome, Marta Derpenska, Molly 0’Donnell, and Jack Benton.