Blog: What is professionalism?

Business consultant Steve Billingham outlines the difference between being professional and being ‘good’

clock

Business consultant Steve Billingham outlines the difference between being professional and being ‘good'.

Much has been written in the financial services media and elsewhere about professionalism, qualifications and codes of ethics. This is to be expected from an industry that is (in the main) moving towards standards of professionalism and qualification designations that are more closely aligned with those of solicitors and accountants. I prefer the phrase ‘professional excellence’ to ‘pro­fessionalism’, on the basis that it is absolutely possible to be professional without necessarily being particularly good. Professional excellence is often a mindset rather than a specific standard. ...

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

Intergenerational transfers: 1.2 million older clients predict children will change advisers

Intergenerational transfers: 1.2 million older clients predict children will change advisers

‘Firms cannot afford to be complacent about the threat of intergenerational transfers’

Isabel Baxter
clock 18 September 2025 • 2 min read
PA Awards 2026: Entry deadline tomorrow!

PA Awards 2026: Entry deadline tomorrow!

Celebrating the best in financial planning and advice

Professional Adviser
clock 18 September 2025 • 1 min read
PFS reports pre-tax loss of £660,000 for 2024 as membership falls

PFS reports pre-tax loss of £660,000 for 2024 as membership falls

Total benefit recharge to CII in 2024 was £6.96m

Jenna Brown
clock 18 September 2025 • 3 min read