MAC Financial has announced it has expanded its team of qualified independent financial advisers to nine after one of its team members completed the regulatory requirements to begin advising clients.

George Richardson has received confirmation of no objection from the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (FSA), allowing him to provide financial advice to private and corporate clients.

His appointment follows three years of career progression at the Douglas-based company, where he joined as a paraplanner in 2023.

He subsequently became head of the firm's paraplanning team before moving into a trainee independent financial adviser position in July this year.

Having completed MAC Financial's internal adviser competency process, he has now moved into a fully qualified advisory role.

The company says the appointment reflects its approach to developing staff internally rather than relying solely on external recruitment.

Mr Richardson's progression has also been accompanied by a series of professional qualifications and industry awards.

He completed the Chartered Insurance Institute's Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in 2023.

Two years later, he achieved the Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, gaining Chartered Financial Planner status.

He was named Young Achiever of the Year by the Chartered Insurance Institute's Isle of Man branch in 2024.

This year, he also received the Financial Planners and Insurance Brokers Association's Education Award for Academic Excellence.

His background includes financial planning, investment analysis, pension analysis and report writing.

Mr Richardson said: ‘Becoming an Independent Financial Adviser is a milestone I have been working towards since joining MAC Financial in 2023.

‘My time in paraplanning gave me a strong technical foundation, while working alongside the advisory team has helped me develop the skills and experience needed to support our clients effectively.

‘I'm delighted to have reached this stage of my career and be working directly with clients, helping them better understand their financial position and supporting them through important financial decisions.’

He also thanked colleagues for their support and said he looked forward to building long-term relationships with clients.

MAC Financial managing director Ed Walter said the appointment was an important milestone for both Mr Richardson and the business.

He said: ‘This is a fantastic achievement and a significant milestone in George's career. Since joining MAC Financial in 2023, he has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, exceptional technical knowledge and a genuine commitment to delivering positive outcomes for clients.

‘Achieving Chartered Financial Planner status, gaining industry recognition and now reaching this important regulatory milestone demonstrates the dedication and professionalism George has shown throughout his career to date.’

MAC Financial provides financial planning services to individual and corporate clients.

The company forms part of MAC Group, which also includes MAC Insurance Brokers and MAC Financial Pension Trustees.

Founded in 2004, MAC Financial says it oversees more than £1 billion in assets under influence.

The wider group provides financial planning, employee benefits, pension administration and commercial insurance broking services to clients on and off the Isle of Man.