11/12/2020
Owl Financial, Openwork’s specialist protection advice business, is investing in advisers to help them expand their qualifications as it supports more customers with valuable protection cover.
It is focused on helping its advisers to be among the first to complete the new professional qualification for the industry with The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) and has already seen one manager pass.
More than 50 Owl advisers and managers have registered for the Certificate in Protection (CertPro) qualification, which is aimed at filling a gap in the advice landscape and providing increased confidence for advisers and their customers.
The specialist business, which is licensed to recommend products from providers including Aviva, Zurich, Legal & General, MetLife and Vitality, played a leading role in designing the qualification with other firms and is leading the way in registrations.
CertPro, which was launched by LIBF in September, focuses on the different protection needs in the event of death, illness, or disability as well as the products and their suitability plus the application and underwriting process.
The qualification also covers the protection provided by the Government and insurance details for the home, landlords and self-builds.
Pat McKenna, Sales Director at Owl, said: “Owl is constantly looking at how we can support our advisers in further enhancing their skills and their professional development and we are delighted that one of our advisers has become the first person to complete the CertPro qualification.
“Supporting the development and launch of CertPro underlines our commitment to delivering excellent customer service and demonstrating the professionalism of advisers.”
John Somerville, Head of Financial Services at the LIBF, said: “There’s a real protection gap in our society, but there’s never been a more important time to build financial resilience.
“This qualification will not only help advisers meet the needs of a growing market but will build understanding among consumers about the value of protection advice and what products they should have in place. We’re delighted that Owl Financial is supporting its advisers to develop their skills and knowledge in this important area.”
Owl Financial has benefited from moving face-to-face advice online with more than 55,000 new policies arranged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It operates a network of 150 managers and more than 1,200 advisers and serves more than 350,000 customers who currently have an active policy. It has been part of the Openwork network for six years.
