Adviser gains ‘later life’ expert status

A Lancashire adviser has been recognised as an expert on financial affairs affecting older people after gaining a prestigious accreditation.

Ben Harrison, a financial planning consultant at Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, has been given the Later Life Adviser Accreditation and been accepted to become a member of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA).

SOLLA aims to assist clients and their families to identify trusted and accredited financial advisers who understand financial needs in later life.

The accreditation demonstrates an ability to advise elderly clients, attorneys and court appointed deputies on complex matters such as long-term care options, investments, inheritance tax planning, equity release and annuities.

To achieve the accreditation, Ben has undertaken a rigorous assessment process to demonstrate he has the knowledge and expertise to advise clients in this specialist area.

Ben, who lives in Lytham and has worked for Moore and Smalley for three years, said: “Financial decisions taken by those in their later years, and their family members, are often emotive and highly complex so there is a need for any advice to be delivered in an understanding way. Clients therefore need reassurance that they are dealing with someone who is not just suitably qualified, but also has specific expertise and experience. “There are only a small number of advisers who have successfully completed the accreditation process, so I’m really pleased to be joining this select group.”