Our Qualifications

The gold standard for firms is to achieve corporate Chartered status. We are a Chartered Financial Planners firm and this status has delivered benefits to our business, our staff and, most importantly, our clients.

Our Managing Director, Brian Benson, has attained industry-leading status too. He is a Chartered Financial Planner, Certified Financial Planner, and Chartered Wealth Manager. He also holds the Society of Later Life Accreditation (SOLLA) and is authorised to provide defined benefit (final salary) transfer advice.

If you receive regulated investment advice you should ensure that the firm is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the adviser is registered with suitable qualifications.

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Further Details

Chartered Financial Planner and Chartered Wealth Manager

Chartered status is a symbol of technical competence and signifies a public commitment to professional standards.

Attaining Chartered status is challenging and takes commitment, but it is achievable. Here is how Chartered sets individuals apart:

Differentiation
Specialised knowledge
Acknowledged professionalism
Chartered status is recognised and respected by consumers as a mark of trust

Certified Financial Planner

A CISI CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional has the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you to review all of your options so you can make informed decisions about what you want from life both now and in future.

They have been tested to make sure they meet rigorous international competency, ethical and professional practice standards. This means that not only will you have peace of mind regarding the technical accuracy of their advice but also the integrity that underpins it.

They will work with you to make sure you are in control of your finances and achieve your life goals. The best financial planning results come from working with a CFP professional. When seeking objective, expert and trusted financial planning advice you should always look for those who carry the CFP mark.

Society of Later Life Advisers

SOLLA was established in 2008 as a not for profit organisation dedicated to higher standards and accessibility to regulated financial advice for older people and their families. There are no shareholders and any profit is used to sustain the Society and its objectives.

The Society of Later Life Advisers is committed to:

Promoting and raising awareness amongst people, their families and professional advisers of financial issues faced in retirement and later life
Building relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies, charities, housing, and social care providers, financial services firms and those organisations who are involved in the financial wellbeing of those in later life
Raising the standards of practice of those engaged in advising older people by promoting the highest levels of professionalism in financial advice
Identifying and developing best practice by the provision of high-quality training and the distribution of the latest information and know-how in later life issues
Acting as a source of technical excellence for later life advisers
Actively inputting into legislative and policy changes and contributing to debates on policy

– Jeff Prestridge, personal finance editor of The Mail on Sunday
“Most advisers in banks would not have the specialist “CF8” long-term care qualification, which was introduced to prevent mis-selling. Independent financial advisers who are members of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) are best qualified to give long-term care advice, and offer customers the choice to pay upfront fees or commission.”

Testimonials

As I am a Lasting Power of Attorney for my aunt who has dementia, I was advised by her accountant and solicitor to seek advice from a financial adviser about financing long term care and investments. My aunt and I chose Brian Benson @CrownWM because he is a member of the Society of Later Life Advisers; his advice was very clear and concise; and pricing was transparent. I also liked the fact that he is trying to understand dementia as he has a relative who is on a dementia journey. In March, Brian advised me to sell my aunt’s house, buy an immediate needs annuity and invest what was left. This was completed in November. My aunt’s long-term position is now secure and she is happier knowing that she does not have to worry about money running out. Brian has made my job as Attorney much easier and I would highly recommend him and his excellent firm!

Dr Y. - Shropshire

I had a couple of pensions, which I wanted to combine. Having researched local financial advisers, it became clear Crown Wealth and Brian were highly recommended. Brian listened to what I was looking for and then made a solid recommendation. Once agreed everything was implemented as and when he said it would be. I am seeing growth over and above what was forecast and more importantly above my expectations. I am more than happy with the service and regular updates provided.

Mr L. – Shrewsbury

I needed to trust someone that would listen to my needs and ensure that the decisions made were the right ones for my long term objectives. Brian took the time to personally review all my financial matters, including my business operations and properties. Brian was then able to forecast my future in order to meet my personal objectives and wealth. I have regular meetings with Brian and his team and so far my objectives are on target, not only that Brian talked me through the company pension schemes and advised me accordingly in terms of setting up the group company pension scheme.

Mr Williams – Local businessman

I have neither the expertise nor time to maximise my investment opportunities. To seek professional advice was the best option for my wife and for me. Brian reviewed our combined and separate assets and devised a series of investment options for our appraisal and action. Liquid assets have grown well so far.

Mr P. – Mid Wales

Required inheritance to be invested. Brian offered me trustworthy advice in a clear manner.

Mr Jones – Shrewsbury

Both E. and myself have been extremely pleased with the results of the advice you gave us.

Mr and Mrs G. – Wolverhampton