New academy to train next generation of financial planners
With the announcement of new visa rules, UAE universities have seen a boom in new student enrolments for the upcoming academic year. This has prompted the launch of a new graduate programme offering financial planning degree in Dubai.
A novel Graduate Programme Academy has been set up to nurture the next generation of industry talent by preparing financial planners through a twoyear programme of training, mentoring and accredited learning.
According to the programme head, this was done in anticipation of a likely increase in student enrolments in the UAE with the immigration of more youth and families.
The initiative started with a cohort of eight recent graduates from UK universities.
Sophia Bhatti, director of learning development at Hoxton Capital Management, explained that participants would also have the opportunity to work closely with senior advisers at the firm.
Bhatti says: “With the new visa regulations being implemented this year, we anticipate a fresh influx of expatriates coming to live and work in the UAE. This programme aims to help meet the demand for skilled financial planning professionals that we expect to emerge as the country’s expat population grows.”
Spearheading this initiative to prepare young people looking to jump-start their careers in the UAE, Bhatti explained: “The financial planning sector needs a constant supply of qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced professionals to deliver the best advice to clients, with transparency and integrity.
“This programme combines our commitment to the highest standards of industry practice with our passion for developing the next generation of talent in the finance profession.”
Successful candidates will graduate from the programme with two-level four industry-recognised accreditations in financial planning, including the London Institute of Banking and Finance Diploma for Financial Advisers.
Sharing his motivation to apply for the programme, 21-year-old first class financial economics graduate Ali Hassan, says: “My main objective was to develop the skills I had attained at university into a working environment. With the resources to achieve further financial qualifications and the direct support on how to interact with clients professionally, this is the perfect opportunity to kickstart my career in the financial world.”
He adds: “My personal goal is to become Level 6 Chartered as a financial adviser, and then explore the Series 65 qualification that would allow me to advise clients in the United States, all whilst building up the clients under my management. With multiple new offices opening up all around the world, there is a sense of flexibility.”
The trainees are to benefit from a broad range of learning resources to develop their technical and consulting skills in a professional and client-facing environment.
With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, fellow graduate trainee, 24-year-old Connor Hardcastle avers: “When I was around 17 years old, one of my ambitions was to be a financial adviser, but I didn’t follow that path initially. After studying Chemistry, I realised I still wanted to have an entry point into financial services, and I enjoy the idea of being fast-tracked to the financial adviser role, so I was ready to take the leap.”
He adds: “After coming from a non-finance background to be able to have an in-depth conversation about financial products with a family who has been in the industry for 30 years, I’ve learnt a great deal about the industry already.
“The programme also focuses on the business development manager role, which we undertake daily to ensure that we have meaningful and sustainable conversations with clients that will help me develop into a successful financial adviser once I take that step up.”
This programme combines our commitment to the highest standards of industry practice with our passion for developing the next generation of talent in the finance profession Sophia Bhatti Director of learning development at Hoxton Capital Management