Meanwhile, TERC offers a comforting crumb with the news that the incumbent Chair – Nigel Waterson, shall assume the director general’s responsibility of “running the organisation on a day-to-day basis”.
Nigel, a former MP (one of several political passengers cruising on the Ship), has impressed many sector veterans with his knowledge of precisely where housing wealth fits in solving the retirement puzzle.
As the sector turns to government, (much like a child seeking parental approval for accurately hitting the potty), we have at last, a trade body newly embodied with such rich political experience. Properly toilet trained, as it were.
In his willingness to engage with the humble adviser (who accounts for 91% of all sales by value), Nigel has padded the corridors of adviser firms, expanding his appreciation and understanding of the vital client work we undertake.
I’m certain that Nigel and his fellows will continue to enjoy the wholehearted support of TERC members far and wide.
But alas, Andrea’s departure will leave us bereft of time-served adviser experience at board level, and crucially, leaves but a lone soul on the Standards Board; ably representing the interests of hundreds of subscription-paying advisers.
Hmm, perhaps Andrea has kept her seat warm for one of us…
So, is it indeed not an opportune moment to question; are advisers adequately represented by their trade body?
Simon Chalk is equity release technical manager at Age Partnership
