Forget Trollope-Here comes the Churchouse Chronicles

Guildford-based IFA Keith Churchouse is in the late stages of publishing The First Churchouse Chronicles, a book documenting his 24 years in financial services.

The book examines, through Churchouse’s personal experience, the changes the industry has seen over the last 24 years. These include the creation of the FSA, the introduction of compliance and the impact of past recessions.

It also chronicles Churchouse’s progress from an 18 year old clerk in a high street bank to the last five years spent at the helm of his own business, Churchouse Financial Planning.

The book also provides much needed advice for new starters in the industry and older advisers who may be concerned about the impact of the RDR. Churchouse says while exams will become increasingly important, so will experience.

“For advisers and the young joining the industry, my current advice with regards to exams and qualifications is to focus on where they want to be post sitting the exam,” says Churchouse.

“They should decide what area interests them and what area are they hoping to specialise in. And if they have a chosen area, will the nature and volume of the specialisation allow them to earn enough to maintain the standard of living they desire?

“If it will not, they may want to change course now before they study hard to excel in an area that was not worthwhile anyway. Focus on what is good for you, not a structure that ticks a box to pass an exam.”

The book is due to be launched next year to coincide with Churchouse’s 25th year working within the financial service industry. Keith is also a member of Professional Adviser's 250 Panel of influential advisers.