After studying Economics at the University of Bath, Sophia joined the Schroders graduate programme, where she spent time working in the UK and Dubai. However, like many of us, the pandemic meant a change in circumstances. Sophia returned home to the UK and reached out to TLC Lions (a mental health and inclusion organisation) and used the opportunity to work in a totally different industry close to her own heart, while deciding on her next career move.
Sophia recalls: ‘lockdown made me consider my long-term plans. I knew I enjoyed working in financial services, but rather than working with investment professionals and institutions, I wanted to work with individuals, as I craved the personal aspect of advising. Someone suggested becoming a financial adviser, where I could support with the personal aspect of finance, and I realised this is what I wanted to do.’ Soon after, a recruitment company put her in touch with Frizzell Wealth Management, and Sophia joined in 2021. Since then, she hasn’t looked back.
When asked about the change from a focus on investments to a focus on personal financial advice, Sophia explains, ‘there were several factors. I went to TLC Lions because it aligned to my purpose, and I loved the rewarding nature of the role. When I left, I knew I’d need a job that was just as rewarding, if not more. Essentially, I needed to feel as though I was helping people. Although I’m now helping people in a different way, I get the same reward from advising. The more interactions I have with my clients, the more I can see their confidence grow as they become more secure in their financial journey.’
Although Sophia’s previous experience meant she was familiar with the profession, there was still a lot to learn. ‘My whole career was in investments, but I’d never had exposure to pensions or insurance, which was completely different’ She started by shadowing advisers and paraplanners within the practice, before becoming a financial adviser later that year.
Sophia had already obtained her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification, as well as her Investment Management Certificate (IMC) so she was already part-way qualified to give advice. This meant she just needed to complete the CISI Financial Planning and Advice exam for her to be fully qualified.
For those with previous experience in the financial services profession, any exams achieved may result in exemptions when completing a Level 4 Diploma or result in a streamlined route – something that Sophia wasn’t aware of. ‘The thought of having to do a full diploma from scratch (after already spending 3 years studying for the IMC and CFA) was what put me off becoming an adviser for so long. It wasn’t until Frizzell WM put me in touch with SJP, who reached out and explained I only had to do the one exam, that I realised this.’
Wealth Manager of the Year in 2022
Sophia is now thriving as a financial adviser, winning Investment Week Wealth Manager of the Year in 2022. She was anonymously nominated for the award, and it was only when Investment Week reached out that she realised she'd been shortlisted. 'It was such a lovely surprise for me and the whole team at Frizzell Wealth Management.'
Sophia was awarded for her work towards closing the gender wealth gap, and her passion surrounding the subject is clear. 'I do lots of events in the community with the aim of educating women on their finances. When I moved back to Henley-on-Thames at the start of lockdown, I noticed the demographic had changed. There were lots more young mums there, so I started running workshops at a local events space in a children's shop for mums to come along to chat about family financial planning. They could come in the afternoon for coffee or after bed and bath time for a glass of wine and have a free chat about their finances. This grew and grew, and I started getting invited to speak at other events including networking sessions, schools, the Women's Institute and local mum groups. I loved it, and still do it now.'
Sophia is passionate about helping her clients: when asked about her favourite part of the role, she explains, 'It's the first meeting for me, when you're learning about someone's situation and how you can add real value. Regardless of whether they choose to start a relationship with me or not, I know that they're going to have a lot more information going forward on how to approach their financial plan. I love that reward and the feedback you get afterwards.'
