From periodic tables to risk analysis: A young adviser's career path

CFP Nathan Bater speaks to PA

clock • 2 min read

Nathan Bater has transformed from conducting experiments in a science lab to advising investors entering retirement – and he says the two aren’t as dissimilar as people might think.

Bater, 29, is a Chartered financial planner with Cardiff IFA Bartholomew Hawkins where he started as a paraplanner in January 2016. He took an unexpected path to the advice, switching into the field after completing a degree in chemistry. "When I graduated… I got offered a few jobs, one as a chemical engineer, another as a trainee pension trustee for a local firm, and in that job I had a lot of interaction with advisers. I like the fact that advisers say what you should and shouldn't do what's best rather than what you can and can't do," he says. While his reliance on the periodic tab...

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

Deal Dive: The bigger advice deals keep coming

Deal Dive: The bigger advice deals keep coming

What Q3 2026 had in store

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 October 2026 • 3 min read
Chancellor in 'straitjacket' with low-key Budget anticipated

Chancellor in 'straitjacket' with low-key Budget anticipated

Analysts expect event focused on fiscal prudence

Jack Roach
clock 27 October 2026 • 5 min read
FOS received 3,600 pension complaints between April and September

FOS received 3,600 pension complaints between April and September

110,500 complaints in total

Sophia Panayi
clock 26 October 2026 • 2 min read