National IFA's adviser numbers sink by 64% since 2009

Laura Miller
clock

National IFA Positive Solutions has seen its adviser numbers tumble 64% in the last five years, though the level of departures seems to have stabilised.

Positive Solutions has 558 approved persons as of this January. This figure compares with around 1,550 in December 2009. Adviser numbers at the independent national have been dwindling steadily since April 2010. The biggest fall occurred between October 2012 and December 2012, when around 500 advisers exited the firm. The year was a difficult one for the national. It saw five director-level staff leave, including head of recruitment Martin Brown, head of propositions Andrew Waldron and chief executive Jim Reeve. It also marked the deadline for advisers to meet new minimum sta...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Adviser on crypto: 'I spend most of my time telling clients not to invest in it'

Adviser on crypto: 'I spend most of my time telling clients not to invest in it'

Panel unpacks next gen themes in advice

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 February 2026 • 3 min read
New Talent Alliance uncovers 'inconsistent' advice market data

New Talent Alliance uncovers 'inconsistent' advice market data

Identified ‘serious long‑term talent pipeline risk’

Jenna Brown
clock 10 February 2026 • 2 min read
Dynamic Planner CEO: Cost to serve remains advice's 'Achilles heel'

Dynamic Planner CEO: Cost to serve remains advice's 'Achilles heel'

Updates on technology’s firm AI developments

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 February 2026 • 2 min read