NEW AIFA CHIEF

Step forward.... Mr Alan Lakey.

Posted by: F Capello

Suprise?

I must say I wasn't surprised. Saddened, disappointed, but not surprised. How long can any talented, intelligent and sane individual do this job? I had been wondering for about a year how much longer he could stick it out. Dealing with fractious members and ignorant critics. Trying to balance the interests of the big outfits (who are the major funders) with those of the little guy. Getting to grips with and gaining the respect of a regulator who does not fully comprehend those that it regulates, has too often shown antipathy towards them and considers itself omnipotent and infallible. Overseeing the European element with all its complexity and potential injury to the smaller intermediary. Being always available for any member at any time. Assembling a first class team – each one of which puts in maximum effort all the time. And achieving all this on a shoestring budget and keeping the Association solvent – no mean feat. And all this with unfailing good humour. Anyone else would have become a real grouch! I thought I worked had and long, but compared to Chris I was on holiday. His new post will still be loosely linked to the adviser community and it is a measure of his worth that he has been head hunted to this new post. I for one whish him all the very best and am sure he will make as big a success of The CityyUK as he has AIFA.

Posted by: Harry Katz