Investment Advice Specialist of the Year 2026/27
This award is for an investment specialist who goes beyond technical competence to deliver clear, professional, and trustworthy advice.
This could include advanced specialist knowledge, continuous learning, strong client outcomes, ethical practice, and a commitment to supporting or developing others within the profession.
What we’re looking for
Advanced specialist investment expertise – Demonstrating deep technical knowledge and the ability to apply this effectively within client advice.
Clear, ethical, and client‑focused advice – Delivering professional, trustworthy investment advice that leads to strong client outcomes.
Commitment to development and the profession – Maintaining continuous learning while supporting or developing others within the profession.
Who Can Apply
- Practising financial planners
- FCA (or IOM FSA, Jersey Financial Services Commission / Guernsey Financial Services Commission) authorised to provide investment advice
- Full members of the Personal Finance Society*
* Members of the Personal Finance Society Board and advisers with ongoing disciplinary actions against them are excluded from entering the awards.
Judging
Two stage judging process designed to enable you to demonstrate the range of knowledge and skills necessary to give clients accurate, clear, effective and highly professional specialist advice in investment planning.
Stage 1
When assessing the submission the judges will be looking for evidence of the following:
- Examples of how you became a specialist in providing investment advice (specialist qualifications, training, experience or skills)
- How you are active in maintaining and developing your specialist professional knowledge and skills (specialist training or CPD undertaken etc)
- How your specialist knowledge or skills benefits client outcomes (survey findings / testimonials etc)
- How your commitment to high standards, professionalism and the Code of Ethics influences your business practices
- How you invest in the future of your profession, either through pro bono work, professional connections or training / supporting others
Stage 2
Shortlisted entrants will be invited to complete a hypothetical case study related to their specialism. All case studies will be independently authored and judged by technical specialists, Technical Connection.
The ultimate winner will demonstrate a passion for their profession and the specialist nature of the advice they provide.
