IFA Life launches mentor matchmaking service

IFA Life has rolled out a mentoring forum to match less experienced IFAs with knowledgeable mentors who can provide career guidance.

The forum encourages experienced advisers to put themselves forward as mentors and impart their wisdom to younger advisers who are seeking direction and guidance on developing their career, a new financial planning business or on transitioning to become 'new model' advisers.

Despite dire predictions the RDR could result in the disappearance of many IFA firms, the social networking website for IFAs believes there is strong interest from younger advisers, paraplanners and graduates who are drawn to building a career in the financial advice profession.

"Networking and sharing of best practice is now an everyday activity on the website, but what has been particularly heartening is that senior members of the profession are enthusiastically putting themselves forward as mentors with absolutely no self interest," says Philip Calvert, founder of IFA Life.

"Transitioning and building a financial advice business is not an exact science; access to those who have 'been there and done it' is essential, so we want to match up those looking for help with those who are willing and able to mentor them," he says.

While up and coming financial advisers can use the website to connect with potential mentors online, Calvert says there is demand for "Meet the mentors" meetings where they can network with each other and talk face to face.

"We already hold monthly networking meetings, and given the interest in a matchmaker-type service, we are going to dedicate a section of the meetings to helping IFAs to connect with potential mentors," he adds.

Calvert says networking opportunities coming up in Manchester and London will be the first opportunity for IFAs to meet.

IFAs looking for mentors and more experienced advisers wishing to put themselves forward as mentors can do so at: www.ifalife.com/mentoring.