Best Practice is back this month, and we couldn't be more excited to bring you another session packed with insight and discussion, including an exclusive session on Artificial Intelligence from Scott Adams, Head of IT at Tatton Investment Management, which features practical guidance on how firms can harness AI with confidence.

So far this year, we've welcomed over 600 attendees across our Best Practice events, with an average feedback score of 4.5 out of 5, a real testament to the value our sessions bring to our firms. As always, this event is tailored to meet your CPD requirements, offering valuable perspective on current regulations as well as upcoming changes within the industry.

So, what do we have planned for the September Best Practice Event?
As always we will have two sessions from Graeme Stewart, Head of Consultancy, beginning with an overview of the key compliance updates Paradigm has issued since our Best Practice event in July.
   
In his second session Graeme will be building on our recent compliance updates and the FCA's recently published significant findings on:

• Consumer Support outcome: good practices and areas for improvement
• Complaints and root cause analysis: good practice and areas for improvement

To bring these areas to life, Graeme will look at the FCA's key findings that firms might want to incorporate into their own practices. These areas all play into a firm's Consumer Duty responsibilities and will help firms in the further evolution and adoption of Consumer Duty into their business.

For this event, we will also be joined by...
The financial planning landscape is evolving amid ongoing uncertainty. The 2025 Budget introducing sweeping reforms, advisers face new challenges, and opportunities, in growing and safeguarding client wealth.
Joining us for this event will be Sean Parry, Strategic Account Manager at AVIVA, who will be presenting this applied technical session, using real-world case studies to explore practical planning strategies and investment opportunities that deliver practical outcomes for clients.
He’ll examine both the technical aspects and the human side of wealth planning, equipping you to navigate change confidently and strengthen client relationships.

We're delighted to welcome Scott Adams, Head of IT at Tatton Investment Management, where he'll be exploring one of the most pressing topics in financial services today: AI. As firms across the industry rush to adopt AI tools to boost efficiency and client service, Scott will look at what's driving that shift and what firms should be thinking about as they bring AI into their day-to-day operations. Drawing on his experience leading IT strategy at Tatton, he'll share practical guidance on how firms can harness AI with confidence. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or already using it day to day, this session will give you a clearer picture of what's ahead and how to make the most of it.

We're delighted to announce our Midlands Forum, taking place on Tuesday 6th October 2026 at the Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club. Join us for a morning packed with valuable insights, market updates and practical knowledge from some of the industry's leading voices, all designed to support you and your clients in the months ahead.

Joining us for this event will be Tatton Investment Management, Downing, Pru (as part of M&G), Foresight, Nucleus, Time Investment, AVIVA & Wesleyan.

A small taster of this event:
Downing - Andrew Briard, Associate Director covers the IHT fundamentals: what forms the estate, how IHT is calculated, and how the NRB and RNRB work in practice.
From April 2027, most unused pension funds will form part of a client's estate for IHT purposes. For many families who've never had to think about IHT before, this single change brings them into scope and increases the bill for those already exposed.
We will explore a range of common planning strategies to reduce clients' exposure to IHT, including Business Relief specifically.
We will use client scenarios to demonstrate the difference planning can make, comparing the outcome for clients who take action against those who don't. These examples highlight how effective use of Business Relief can materially reduce an IHT liability and increase the value of the estate ultimately passed on to beneficiaries.
We’ll be sharing the full agenda and further details shortly. 

Pru (as part of M&G) - Join Andy Fear, Investment Specialist, for a session that examines the evolving advisory landscape through an investment focused lens. It highlights how shifting legislation, particularly forthcoming changes to Inheritance Tax rules expected in April 2027, may influence pension assets and wider wealth transfer strategies. The session explores practical, tax efficient approaches to intergenerational planning, including the use of Gift, Loan, and Discounted Gift Trusts alongside broader estate planning structures. It also considers the role of investment based solutions such as PruFund within bond strategies, demonstrating how diversification and smoothing can help deliver long term stability for clients.

Please note, this event will be Investment focussed.

We're delighted to announce our Yorkshire Forum, taking place on Thursday 8th October 2026 at the Aston Hall Hotel. Join us for a morning packed with valuable insights, market updates and practical knowledge from some of the industry's leading voices, all designed to support you and your clients in the months ahead.

Joining us for this event will be Tatton Investment Management, Downing, Pru (as part of M&G), Foresight, Nucleus, Time Investment, AVIVA & Wesleyan.

A small taster of this event:
Downing - Andrew Briard, Associate Director covers the IHT fundamentals: what forms the estate, how IHT is calculated, and how the NRB and RNRB work in practice.
From April 2027, most unused pension funds will form part of a client's estate for IHT purposes. For many families who've never had to think about IHT before, this single change brings them into scope and increases the bill for those already exposed.
We will explore a range of common planning strategies to reduce clients' exposure to IHT, including Business Relief specifically.
We will use client scenarios to demonstrate the difference planning can make, comparing the outcome for clients who take action against those who don't. These examples highlight how effective use of Business Relief can materially reduce an IHT liability and increase the value of the estate ultimately passed on to beneficiaries.
We’ll be sharing the full agenda and further details shortly. 

Pru (as part of M&G) - Join Andy Fear, Investment Specialist, for a session that examines the evolving advisory landscape through an investment focused lens. It highlights how shifting legislation, particularly forthcoming changes to Inheritance Tax rules expected in April 2027, may influence pension assets and wider wealth transfer strategies. The session explores practical, tax efficient approaches to intergenerational planning, including the use of Gift, Loan, and Discounted Gift Trusts alongside broader estate planning structures. It also considers the role of investment based solutions such as PruFund within bond strategies, demonstrating how diversification and smoothing can help deliver long term stability for clients.

Please note, this event will be Investment focussed.

We're delighted to asnnounce our Surrey Forum, taking place on Tuesday 13th October 2026 at Pennyhill Park. Join us for a morning packed with valuable insights, market updates and practical knowledge from some of the industry's leading voices, all designed to support you and your clients in the months ahead.

Joining us for this event will be Tatton Investment Management, Downing, Pru (as part of M&G), Foresight, Nucleus, Time Investment, AVIVA & Wesleyan.

A small taster of this event:
Downing - Andrew Briard, Associate Director covers the IHT fundamentals: what forms the estate, how IHT is calculated, and how the NRB and RNRB work in practice.
From April 2027, most unused pension funds will form part of a client's estate for IHT purposes. For many families who've never had to think about IHT before, this single change brings them into scope and increases the bill for those already exposed.
We will explore a range of common planning strategies to reduce clients' exposure to IHT, including Business Relief specifically.
We will use client scenarios to demonstrate the difference planning can make, comparing the outcome for clients who take action against those who don't. These examples highlight how effective use of Business Relief can materially reduce an IHT liability and increase the value of the estate ultimately passed on to beneficiaries.
We’ll be sharing the full agenda and further details shortly. 

Pru (as part of M&G) - Join Andy Fear, Investment Specialist, for a session that examines the evolving advisory landscape through an investment focused lens. It highlights how shifting legislation, particularly forthcoming changes to Inheritance Tax rules expected in April 2027, may influence pension assets and wider wealth transfer strategies. The session explores practical, tax efficient approaches to intergenerational planning, including the use of Gift, Loan, and Discounted Gift Trusts alongside broader estate planning structures. It also considers the role of investment based solutions such as PruFund within bond strategies, demonstrating how diversification and smoothing can help deliver long term stability for clients.

Please note, this event will be Investment focussed.

We're delighted to announce our London Forum, taking place on Wednesday 14th October 2026 at the etc.venues Monument. Join us for a morning packed with valuable insights, market updates and practical knowledge from some of the industry's leading voices, all designed to support you and your clients in the months ahead.

Joining us for this event will be Tatton Investment Management, Downing, Pru (as part of M&G), Foresight, Nucleus, Time Investment, AVIVA & Wesleyan.

A small taster of this event:
Downing - Andrew Briard, Associate Director covers the IHT fundamentals: what forms the estate, how IHT is calculated, and how the NRB and RNRB work in practice.
From April 2027, most unused pension funds will form part of a client's estate for IHT purposes. For many families who've never had to think about IHT before, this single change brings them into scope and increases the bill for those already exposed.
We will explore a range of common planning strategies to reduce clients' exposure to IHT, including Business Relief specifically.
We will use client scenarios to demonstrate the difference planning can make, comparing the outcome for clients who take action against those who don't. These examples highlight how effective use of Business Relief can materially reduce an IHT liability and increase the value of the estate ultimately passed on to beneficiaries.
We’ll be sharing the full agenda and further details shortly. 

Pru (as part of M&G) - Join Andy Fear, Investment Specialist, for a session that examines the evolving advisory landscape through an investment focused lens. It highlights how shifting legislation, particularly forthcoming changes to Inheritance Tax rules expected in April 2027, may influence pension assets and wider wealth transfer strategies. The session explores practical, tax efficient approaches to intergenerational planning, including the use of Gift, Loan, and Discounted Gift Trusts alongside broader estate planning structures. It also considers the role of investment based solutions such as PruFund within bond strategies, demonstrating how diversification and smoothing can help deliver long term stability for clients.

Please note, this event will be Investment focussed.

What does the course entail?
The course follows a two-step format. First, participants receive pre-course materials designed to help them practice reviewing client interviews, assessing file reviews, and completing knowledge assessments based on their own governance arrangements (specifically, the firm’s Training & Competence plan). They will also test their understanding of SMCR in the context of their business activities.

The second part is the course itself. Conducted online via Microsoft Teams, the course spans two morning sessions (9:30 to 12:30). It includes a review of the pre-course work, discussions on key learning points, and an examination of a supervisor’s responsibilities to establish a competence and certification process for both the supervisors and the advisers they oversee.
 
These courses are appropriate for new supervisors as well as those who may have been in their roles for some time but have not refreshed their knowledge recently.

What does it cost?
The cost of each course, inclusive of pre-course work is £650+VAT. A second spot can be secured for an individual from the same firm at a reduced rate of £250+VAT. For firms needing a tailored course—especially those with multiple supervisors or wishing to conduct the training onsite—Paradigm is pleased to offer this for the cost of a Compliance Consultancy day.

We’d love to have you join us for one of these sessions. If you’re unsure whether the course is suitable for you or would like to talk to us about the wider compliance support available from Paradigm, please contact your dedicated Business Development Director (BDD). We provide extensive compliance and consultancy services to firms of all sizes and can tailor our support to a wide range of requirements. 

What does the course entail?
The course follows a two-step format. First, participants receive pre-course materials designed to help them practice reviewing client interviews, assessing file reviews, and completing knowledge assessments based on their own governance arrangements (specifically, the firm’s Training & Competence plan). They will also test their understanding of SMCR in the context of their business activities.

The second part is the course itself. Conducted online via Microsoft Teams, the course spans two morning sessions (9:30 to 12:30). It includes a review of the pre-course work, discussions on key learning points, and an examination of a supervisor’s responsibilities to establish a competence and certification process for both the supervisors and the advisers they oversee.
 
These courses are appropriate for new supervisors as well as those who may have been in their roles for some time but have not refreshed their knowledge recently.

What does it cost?
The cost of each course, inclusive of pre-course work is £650+VAT. A second spot can be secured for an individual from the same firm at a reduced rate of £250+VAT. For firms needing a tailored course—especially those with multiple supervisors or wishing to conduct the training onsite—Paradigm is pleased to offer this for the cost of a Compliance Consultancy day.

We’d love to have you join us for one of these sessions. If you’re unsure whether the course is suitable for you or would like to talk to us about the wider compliance support available from Paradigm, please contact your dedicated Business Development Director (BDD). We provide extensive compliance and consultancy services to firms of all sizes and can tailor our support to a wide range of requirements. 

Join us for Paradigm's online Best Practice compliance events. These sessions will be held online, with presentations tailored specifically to meet your CPD requirements, and to provide crucial updates, regulatory guidance and fresh ideas. We will focus on compliance, with added commentary and insights being provided by selected Strategic Partners designed to further enhance your 2026 CPD journey.

 In the days prior to each event, you will receive a NEW Training Needs Analysis (TNA) template for 2026. The template can be used to plan your CPD activities for the upcoming year.

The Best Practice events will offer you several hours of CPD across 2026 which will address many of your learning objectives and assist you in achieving your required annual CPD requirements.