SimplyBiz Group has launched a targeted approach to its compliance service, as it warns the regulatory burden on advisers will not "slow down" in the near future.
The 'Centres of Excellence' service will focus on particular areas of the group's compliance offering, including policy, field services, help desks, specialist areas and personalised consultancy.
Mark Greenwood, director of compliance services at the SimplyBiz Group, said the launch was about "making sure the group had the right people in the right places" and ensuring each area provides "proactive" support to advisers.
For example, Mr Greenwood said, the compliance policy team are reviewing the final report of the Financial Conduct Authority's Investment Platforms Market Study published earlier today (March 14) and will produce a summary for the other 'Centres of Excellence'.
Mr Greenwood said the process ensures all teams within the group are up to date with what the report entails, and guidance will then be sent to advisers.
Gary Kershaw, compliance director of the SimplyBiz Group, said: "Providing compliance and regulatory support for the firms who use our services is absolutely the most important thing that the group does, and we will never stop developing and improving the services we offer in this area."
Mr Kershaw said increasing regulation means the burden upon advisers is constantly growing, and he warned it is unlikely to slow down at any point in the near future.
He said: "Advisers need to be given the time to do what they do best; deliver high-quality, personal financial advice to their clients.
"In turn, they rely on us to do what we do best; help to relieve the regulatory burden through the provision of relevant, reliable and comprehensive support, delivered in plain English."
Mr Kershaw added: "The staff employed by The SimplyBiz Group are amongst the best in the entire industry, and the compliance support and guidance we provide is market-leading.
"The introduction of the Centres of Excellence has honed the significant resources and expertise we have in order to offer advisers access to focussed, specialist support in a transparent and efficient manner."
rachel.addison@ft.com
