Paraplanning has seen a rise in popularity over the last decade. However, there have been significant changes in the last few years.
Paraplanners are becoming more self-employed and outsourcers. This is reducing the number of paraplanners who are ’employed’.
Some companies have started to train their employees to address this problem. This isn’t always possible for smaller businesses. Larger companies may need additional resources during busy times.
These factors are driving advisors to outsource paraplanners in an ever-increasing amount.
It can be hard to get started because changing business processes will require you to give up your time.
Sometimes outsourcing can be seen as an extra expense. However, there is no guarantee that it will bring you business success.
How Do You Find The Best Provider?
These suggestions might help you narrow down the options and find the right fit for you.
Capacity — Many paraplanners are full. Waiting lists can be helpful if you don’t have an urgent need. However, as a start point, find out if they can accept new clients.
Data Protection — Paraplanning companies must be able to provide their GDPR documents. However, it would help to consider how clients’ data are shared and stored. Cybersecurity is a serious business risk. However, it can be managed by using secure data transfer methods.
Services — What paraplanning services are you looking for, and can the outsourcing company provide them with all? Some offer data gathering, others process application forms, while others concentrate on research and reporting. Are you looking for cash flow planning? Does the outsourcer have a good understanding of your cash flow tool?
Paraplanning Specialists — Paraplanning firms specialising in complex work such as trusts and pension transfers are called specialists. They only work with specific advisers.
Experience And Qualifications — You don’t need to pay the rates charged for a chartered paraplanner if you’re looking at outsourcing annual reviews or Isa contributions. If you want to outsource defined benefit pension transfer work, is the paraplanner qualified and experienced with AF3, AF7, or G60?
Templates — Does the company have templates? Will they use your templates or yours? What is the best way for the company to ensure that its templates are technically up-to-date and compliant?
Analytic Tools — Will they be able to use your analysis and research software, or do they need their own?
Fixed Fees – some companies charge fixed rates while others charge hourly. Some companies charge a retainer to ensure they can do your work. Others are more flexible and will take on ad-hoc work.
Turnaround Times — Does the company define its service levels and turnaround times? What speed should you expect to receive your work?
Remedial Work — If you require changes to a report’s content, is this included in the initial cost, or are you required to pay more?
What’s Outsourced Paraplanning?
Outsourcing paraplanning services to financial planners means outsourcing the administration and research of financial planning to an external party.
Outsourced paraplanners would assist clients in researching and analysing financial products. They also manage the large amount of paperwork generated by a financial planning firm. The financial planners can then focus on more complex planning needs. They work closely with clients to build trust and relationships while identifying their goals and needs.