FAQs

Corbel started life as an independent financial advice practice and has grown into an independent financial advice network. Independent advice is in the DNA of the business, so the support is designed around advisers and planners who want to keep putting clients first.

Corbel works with advisers and planners who put their clients first and want to offer fully independent advice. It is a good fit if you do not want to be restricted to limited solutions or forced to shoehorn clients into a narrow proposition.

Corbel understands what financial advisers and planners need to work efficiently and serve clients well. Its network is built around real independence, meaning you are not restricted in what you can recommend to your clients.

Corbel provides compliance, file reviews, paraplanning, a full CPD programme, training, marketing support through Yardstick, whole-of-market research and a bespoke technology stack called Finpath. The support is shaped by what advisers and planners in the group need to work efficiently with their clients.

Corbel helps reduce the friction around advice by providing paraplanning, Finpath and a common-sense approach to compliance. That gives you more space to focus on client conversations, service and outcomes.

Yes. Corbel supports advisers and planners across the UK, from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

Yes. Corbel offers a hybrid model, working with both individual financial advisers and planners, as well as advice firms, so you can pursue the personal and business goals that matter to you.

Corbel is a good fit for advisers, planners and firms that put clients first and want to provide fully independent advice. The network is designed for people who want support without giving up the independence their clients value. If you are ready to take the next step, visit Corbel’s guidance for advisers and firms to see whether the network is the right fit for you.

Corbel is built for client-focused advisers and planners who want to build or maintain a quality client bank. If that is not your priority, the network may not be the right fit.

Corbel has been supporting financial advisers and financial planners since 2005. That experience shapes the practical, adviser-first support it provides today.

Corbel’s senior team includes founder directors Paul Heath and David O’Hara, finance director Chris Blythe and non-executive director Anthony Morrow. The team also includes head of compliance Jennifer Wood, head of paraplanning Gemma Johnston and head of support Jane Brown.

Corbel is 100% owned by its founders, Paul Heath and David O’Hara. This adviser-led ownership is part of the firm’s independence-focused culture.

Corbel won the Professional Adviser Best Advice Network award in 2023. Over recent years, it has also been a finalist in the best network category at the Professional Adviser and Money Marketing awards. It also regularly appears in the FT Top 100. You can read more about Corbel’s awards and recognition on the Awards page.

Registered individuals (RIs) use the same charging structure, but it is very flexible. Appointed representative (AR) firms can work with Corbel to design their own charging structure.

Corbel holds professional indemnity insurance cover with Liberty and Generali. The excess is £10,000 for all business except defined benefit transfers, where it is £30,000. Advisers and planners are liable for the policy excess per claim.

Corbel takes an income share of 20% on the first £150,000 of income, followed by 15% on the next £50,000. This applies to income from all sources; the counter resets every April, and Corbel also charges £280 per month towards regulatory and professional indemnity insurance costs.

Corbel currently has 190 advisers and planners in the network. This gives you a substantial adviser community while retaining Corbel’s close, adviser-led approach.

There are more than 60 firms within the Corbel network.

Corbel-supported firms advise more than 20,000 clients. This reflects the scale of client relationships supported through the network.

Corbel-supported firms advise over £2.8 billion. This reflects the scale of the network and the client relationships supported through it.

Yes. Corbel only offers independent advice, and that will not change.

Yes. Advisers and planners can operate as an appointed representative (AR) firm. If these options aren’t appropriate, then trading under Corbel’s plug-and-play brand, Arcus Wealth, is always an option.

Yes. Advisers and planners have full control over how they run their business, within the regulatory and network guidelines that apply.

Corbel draws on its experience to support advisers and planners with business development, ideas and plans they may want to put in place. It provides the tools and guidance to help you grow in the way you choose, within the regulatory and network guidelines that apply.

Existing financial advisers and planners value the support they receive and the approachable, open nature of the senior team. You do not have to take Corbel’s word for it: read the Google reviews and watch the client testimonial videos to hear directly from the people already working with Corbel.

Advisers and planners often choose Corbel because of its commitment to independence. It is large enough to provide strong support, but small enough for people within the business to matter and have a voice. You can explore the reasons advisers and planners choose Corbel on the Why choose us page.

Advisers and planners choose Corbel for the support, experience and systems ecosystem that help them get on with their job with fewer obstacles. The network model can reduce the operational and regulatory burden compared with becoming directly authorised.

Corbel does not provide a standalone administration service, but its systems and processes are designed to keep administration as limited as possible. Advisers and planners may use their own administrators, outsourced administration services or their own preferred way of working.

Corbel can help with plan information gathering, chasing letters of authority and full case preparation through paraplanning. The head office support team is also available when advisers and planners get stuck or become too busy.

Yes. Corbel’s head office support team can take calls and provide help where needed.

Yes. Corbel has a culture of support and belonging, with people available to speak to advisers and planners when they need help. It also has a staff member focused on adviser relationships and runs Meet the Directors meetings around the country, usually three times a year.

Calls can be directed to Corbel’s head office support team, who will assist clients where possible. If advice is required, another adviser in the firm can be asked to deal with the matter.

Yes. If an adviser is unavailable, the head office support team can pick up queries, and another adviser in the firm can be asked to help where advice is required.

You can join as a registered individual (RI) under Arcus Wealth. You can also join as an appointed representative (AR) firm.

You will need to complete an application form, provide proof of identification and residence, share a copy of your credit file and supply evidence of your qualifications. Corbel will let you know if any further supporting information is needed.

Corbel obtains references, carries out a DBS check, asks you to complete a multiple-choice test and reviews a fact-find analysis. If any further information is needed to support your application, the team will request it during the process.

You will receive training from each team within Corbel. The level of training depends on what you need and want, and you will be fully supported throughout induction.

You will initially deal with one of Corbel’s directors. Once your application is submitted, a member of the compliance team will guide you through the process before the onboarding team completes the set-up.

Corbel carries out a range of checks to assess an adviser’s fitness and propriety before authorisation. These include gathering personal, financial and employment information, as well as assessing knowledge and ability.

The most common reason is non-disclosure of information during the application process. Corbel needs full and accurate information to assess whether an adviser, planner or firm is suitable for the network.

No. Corbel assesses all applicants on their own merits, so not currently having Competent Adviser Status (CAS) does not automatically stop you from applying.

The process can be delayed by references or other information requests from third parties, or by waiting for further information from applicants. Appointed representative (AR) firms can potentially also be delayed by the time it takes the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to complete its authorisation process.

Registered individuals (RIs) and trading names typically take four to six weeks. Appointed representative (AR) firms usually take around 10 to 12 weeks because they require FCA approval.

Yes. Corbel has a dedicated resource to help with the novation of existing clients.

Corbel will request the agencies and platform or provider access needed for your business. This helps you get set up with the providers you need to continue working with clients.

Ongoing adviser fees can be moved by novation through Corbel’s dedicated resource, or by letter of authority. Client data can also be bulk uploaded, so ongoing fees can be matched and paid as quickly as possible.

Not usually, unless the complaints are very serious and would mean you are not fit and proper to carry out the role. Corbel recommends submitting full details with your application to avoid surprises later in the process.

You can be self-employed under Arcus Wealth, Corbel’s plug-and-play brand for advisers and planners. This gives you flexibility without requiring you to be employed or run a full advice business from day one.

Yes. All advisers and planners joining the group complete a process to achieve Competent Adviser Status (CAS), with support provided as needed.

Corbel supports advisers and planners working towards Competent Adviser Status (CAS) through training, education, file checking and feedback.

New recruits receive full training, support, education and ongoing supervision as required.

Yes. Corbel regularly helps appointed representative (AR) firms recruit new advisers and planners by completing the recruitment process and supervising the adviser. This partnership helps firms grow without reducing the time they spend with clients.

Yes. Corbel provides as much mentoring and support as advisers and planners need.

After initial training, Corbel provides a CPD programme throughout the year. Corbel’s training and support page explains the programme in more detail. Does Corbel run CPD events, webinars or workshops? Yes. Corbel holds regular CPD webinars throughout the year and runs face-to-face Meet the Directors events around the UK. Corbel’s training and support page explains what is available in more detail.

Yes. Corbel encourages and supports advisers, planners and their team members who want to progress beyond level 4 towards level 6 and level 7 qualifications.

Yes. Corbel holds regular CPD webinars throughout the year and runs face-to-face Meet the Directors events around the UK. Corbel’s training and support page explains what is available in more detail.

You own the client relationship. Corbel is clear that the adviser owns that relationship without question.

Yes. Corbel is identified and disclosed in line with regulatory requirements. Many advisers and planners use their relationship with Corbel as a positive message for clients because of the backup it provides.

Clients may notice some changes to procedures, systems and regulatory disclosures. The adviser relationship remains central to the client experience.

Yes. Clients can be transferred either by block novation or individual letters of authority.

Each adviser is responsible for delivering the service agreed with the client. Corbel’s compliance team monitors servicing schedules as part of its key performance indicators.

Corbel helps advisers and planners deliver better client outcomes through education, support and guidance. Compliance and ongoing training are central parts of that support.

Yes. Corbel’s head office support team can pick up issues when advisers and planners are unavailable.

When advisers and planners first join Corbel, the team completes some pre-sale file checking. After that, file checking is carried out on a post-sale basis.

Pre-sale file checking is usually completed within 48 hours. This helps advisers and planners keep cases moving while still receiving compliance support.

Corbel checks between 20% and 50% of files, depending on the adviser’s risk grading. The back-office system helps select files while taking that grading into account.

Yes. Corbel gives feedback on all files that are reviewed.

Files are selected by Corbel’s back-office system. The selection takes the adviser’s risk grading into account.

Advisers and planners remain responsible for completing documentation. If you choose to use it, Corbel’s paraplanning team can complete much of the preparation work for you.

Yes. Corbel uses regular meetings, communications and relevant CPD to help advisers and planners stay up to date with regulatory change.

Yes. Corbel completes all required regulatory returns, so advisers and planners are not involved in this process. This is one of the key benefits of joining a network.

Yes. Corbel provides a full suite of compliance templates and guidance for advisers and planners.

Yes. Corbel’s back-office system is set up so advisers and planners can identify vulnerable clients, and training is provided.

Yes. Corbel puts ongoing education, training, support and compliance at the heart of its adviser support to help evidence good client outcomes.

New recruits receive support with initial recruitment and introduction, pre-sale checking, Competent Adviser Status (CAS) sign-off and compliance help as required.

Corbel provides ongoing compliance help, support and monitoring as required. This includes annual fit and proper certifications, appointed representative (AR) audits and financial promotion approval.

Yes. All appointed representative (AR) firms have an annual audit, while all advisers and planners have annual fit and proper checks.

Yes. Consumer Duty is embedded in Corbel and filtered down to advisers and planners across the network, so the requirements are met.

Advisers and planners can use a central email address for general compliance queries, which are then picked up by the most appropriate person. They can also call the compliance team directly.

Direct authorisation is likely to be more costly and can take much longer, often nine to 12 months or more. Joining a network can remove many of the regulatory, capital adequacy, professional indemnity insurance and operational obstacles, helping you focus on clients and building the business.

It depends on what you want to achieve. If direct authorisation is your long-term aim, Corbel believes joining a network can be a useful stepping stone while you work towards that goal.

Yes. Corbel can discuss your options, the pros and cons and the operational changes required, then support you throughout the transition. You can read more about the benefits of joining Corbel’s network on its website. What are the benefits of direct authorisation? Direct authorisation gives you freedom to control every aspect of your business. It also allows you to design your own regulatory and operational systems and controls.

Direct authorisation gives you freedom to control every aspect of your business. It also allows you to design your own regulatory and operational systems and controls.

Only you can decide, but you should not apply for direct authorisation without first considering the requirements and alternatives. If you do not have the resources to build and maintain regulatory and operational systems, including staff and adviser infrastructure, direct authorisation is unlikely to be suitable.

Corbel is often told that the regulatory administration burden takes up too much time and resource, leaving clients in the back seat. Advisers and planners move because they want to get back to client work, which is the part of the role they enjoy most.

Direct authorisation also means taking responsibility and liability for the regulatory and operational systems you control. The demands of running a regulated business can leave much less time to spend with clients. Corbel’s guidance on leaving direct authorisation explains more about this route.

Advisers and planners own their own clients and are free to sell them outside the group, to another adviser in the group or through Corbel’s retirement option. Corbel’s retirement option pays three times ongoing income for clients under age 75, with 50% paid on day one and 25% at the end of years one and two, and pays 40% of ongoing income for four years for clients over age 75.

Yes. Corbel has a buy-out package for advisers and planners who want to retire from the network.

Yes. Corbel primarily buys client banks from advisers and planners within the network, but it can also buy firms from outside the group.

Corbel pays a multiple of three times ongoing income for clients under age 75, with 50% paid on day one and 25% at the end of years one and two. For clients over age 75, Corbel pays 40% of ongoing income for four years.

Yes. Corbel offers a buy-out package for advisers and planners, with clients looked after by employed servicing advisers and planners within the buy-out project. Their role is focused on continuity of service.

Yes. Corbel’s buy-out package is designed to provide continuous service in the same independent environment. This gives clients continuity after the original adviser retires.

Yes. Corbel can discuss the sale of part of your business, either to downsize your client bank or retire in stages.

Yes. Corbel encourages advisers and planners to discuss retirement plans as early as possible. That gives time to structure a process that works for you and your clients.

Clients will be looked after by an employed adviser who works on Corbel’s buy-out project. A suitable handover will be arranged, and because Corbel is independent, there is no wholesale product or investment change, just a new adviser relationship.

Corbel had completed 18 acquisitions as at 31 March 2026. These acquisitions form part of its support for adviser succession and retirement planning. Corbel has shared more about its acquisitions in the press for further reading.

Corbel takes an income share of 20% on the first £150,000 of income, followed by 15% on the next £50,000. This applies to income from all sources; the counter resets every April, and Corbel also charges £280 per month towards regulatory and professional indemnity insurance costs.

Corbel charges both. Its model includes a percentage income share and a fixed monthly contribution towards regulatory and professional indemnity insurance costs.

No. Corbel charges paraplanning separately at £22 + VAT per hour.

Yes. Compliance services are included in Corbel’s charges.

Yes. If you want your own brand, you should budget for branding, collateral, websites and domains. If you want your own cashflow system, you will need to fund that too.

Corbel’s overall costs and structure are fairly typical. However, because it is genuinely independent and whole-of-market, you get the freedom to recommend what is right for your clients, alongside the support you need to run your business effectively. That means Corbel believes it offers outstanding value for money.

Yes. Corbel only offers independent advice, and that commitment is central to the network.

No. Corbel is committed to independent advice, so you are not restricted to a limited range of products, providers, platforms or investment solutions.

No. Corbel holds central research on products and investments from the whole marketplace and produces a due diligence package every three months to support advisers and planners. Once a client’s risk profile has been determined, you are free to use any discretionary fund manager, model portfolio service, multi-asset fund or multi-manager fund that suits the client.

No. Corbel has special pricing deals with many platforms and works to reduce charges for advisers and planners, but you remain free to use the providers you choose. Corbel uses whole-of-market third-party providers and does not operate in-house, white labelling or co-manufacturing arrangements.

You can keep your existing advice process as long as it fits within Corbel’s operating guardrails. Corbel will discuss how you want to work during the recruitment process and be honest about whether it will fit.

Yes. You can continue giving holistic financial planning advice through Corbel while operating within the network’s independent advice framework.

Corbel is 100% committed to independent advice. It is a core value of the firm and central to the way the network supports advisers and planners.

Yes. Corbel can discuss timings, the best way to leave and the options available to you.

Yes. Corbel is happy to discuss your options and how it can support your plan to become self-employed.

Yes. You can be self-employed under Arcus Wealth, Corbel’s plug-and-play brand, giving you independence and flexibility without needing to start your own firm immediately.

Corbel can support you with development, business planning ideas and practical guidance. It does not provide leads, but it will support advisers and planners who have a plan for building their business.

You should have a plan for building your business and enough funds to cover your expenditure during the transition. You should also check and understand any contractual covenants in your current role.

Yes. Corbel can help you get started under Arcus Wealth, then support the development of your business until you are ready to convert to an appointed representative (AR) firm.

Yes. Corbel has a template website that can be personalised for firms to use. The service is provided by The Yardstick Agency at a cost that makes it affordable to all advice firms. Corbel can provide more information during the authorisation process.

Yes. Corbel can help guide your marketing plans and introduce you to marketing partners where required.

Corbel can help guide your marketing plans and lead generation activity. It does not provide leads to advisers and planners.

Yes. You remain responsible for growing your business, but Corbel will provide support, guidance and ideas to help you move forward.

Corbel can help and guide you on brand development. For detailed branding discussions, it will likely introduce you to a marketing partner.

Yes. Corbel can discuss what to focus on in your business plan, then review it and give feedback as required.

Corbel offers business development meetings with directors to discuss your plans and ideas. The directors will highlight pros, cons and issues to consider, then support you once a plan is formed.

Corbel provides business development meetings with directors to discuss plans and ideas. The team will help you think through pros, cons and practical considerations, then support the plan as needed.

You should consider exit requirements, client ownership, notice periods, client transfer arrangements, financial implications and any restrictions on your business. Understanding these details early helps you plan the move with fewer surprises. Corbel’s moving network guidance explains the process in more detail.

Yes. Corbel can support you through the move from your current network as much as required. Its moving network guidance explains the process in more detail.

The application process is typically four to six weeks for a certified adviser and 10 to 12 weeks for an appointed representative (AR) firm. You should also understand any timing constraints or exit requirements from your existing network before deciding to move.

Common warning signs include cumbersome processes, new advice restrictions, changes to financial terms, limited development and a lack of support. A reluctance to help you grow can also be a sign that your current network no longer fits your needs, as can pressure on you to recommend vertically aligned platforms and investment propositions.

The process does not need to be complicated if you understand both the exit procedure from your current network and the joining process for the new one. With a clear plan, most clients simply want reassurance that they can continue working with you.

Ongoing fees can usually be moved by novation or by individual letters of authority. The network you are leaving will decide which route is available, and Corbel will support whichever option is chosen.

Yes. Corbel can support appointed representative (AR) options, so you may be able to keep your existing firm name.

Yes. Clients can be transferred to Corbel and, because the network is independent, there is generally no need to force product or investment provider changes.

Yes. You do not need to change your staff when you move to Corbel. The team will help train your staff on Corbel’s procedures so they can support you in the right way.

Yes. You can keep your existing paraplanner or administrator. Corbel will help train them on its procedures so they can support you effectively.

This depends on your current network and how it deals with pipeline business. Some providers will allow the agency to be changed, while some networks may require pipeline business to remain with them until it completes and pays.

Corbel helps you build a clear plan and gather the information needed to avoid surprises. Its onboarding team will support this process so the move can be managed as smoothly as possible.

Yes. Corbel has a number of client communications that have been used before and can help you explain the move clearly.

Yes. The process should be the same whether your current network relationship has broken down or not.

You should check exit requirements, client ownership, notice periods, client transfer arrangements, financial implications and any business restrictions. These details can shape the timing and structure of your move.

Corbel has 34 paraplanners, and the team is growing. This in-house resource supports advisers and planners across a wide range of advice cases.

Corbel’s paraplanning team is led by Gemma Johnston. She heads the in-house team that supports advisers and planners with case preparation and technical work.

Yes. Corbel does not outsource paraplanning, and all paraplanners are employed by Corbel.

Corbel usually has a small number of trainees who are learning and progressing, while the rest of the team is experienced. Corbel’s paraplanning proposition explains how that experience supports firms, with most of the team holding at least level 4 qualifications and several holding level 6 qualifications.

Work is passed to the paraplanning administrator through Corbel’s adviser software. Broadly, it is allocated in the order it comes in and to the most appropriate paraplanner next in line.

Yes. Corbel’s paraplanning team has the experience and resources to deal with complex cases.

Yes. The paraplanning team can produce straightforward cashflow outputs, although some advisers and planners use cashflow systems directly with clients themselves.

Yes. As part of preparing cases for advisers and planners, the paraplanning team completes replacement business and switching analysis.

Yes. Corbel’s paraplanning team completes cases across all types of business and advice, including pensions, investments and protection.

When all information is available, the typical paraplanning turnaround time is 10 working days. This helps advisers and planners plan client work with a clear expectation of timing.

Corbel’s paraplanning service costs £22 + VAT per hour. Time is billed by the minute, so you only pay for the work completed.

Corbel will discuss your planned business structure, how you want to operate and your business plan. The team will also talk through potential pros, cons and pitfalls, including how your longer-term plans could shape the way the firm is set up.

Yes. Corbel will discuss how you plan to run the business, the resources you may need and any practical pros and cons to consider.

Yes. Corbel can discuss your plans, options and the timing of your move so you can weigh up the pros and cons before making a decision.

Yes. Corbel is happy to discuss business planning, adviser business development, shared experience and practical ideas.

Yes. Corbel will point out potential issues and common mistakes it has seen advisers and planners make. You will still run your own business, but you can benefit from the team’s experience before making key decisions.

No. Some advisers and planners join with existing client banks, while others join without clients but with a solid plan to build a business. Corbel does not provide leads to advisers and planners.

Yes. Whether you are currently employed or self-employed, Corbel is happy to discuss your options and how it could support your plan. Corbel’s starting a new firm guidance explains more about this route.

There are no set-up costs for becoming an adviser with Corbel. If you want your own brand or appointed representative (AR) firm, you should budget for branding, collateral, websites and any operational set-up costs needed for the way you want to work. Corbel can explain its cost-effective website and newsletter packages through The Yardstick Agency during the authorisation process.

Corbel provides Finpath, its adviser software, to all advisers, planners and team members across the group. Mortgage and protection quotation software is available for those who need it, while Arcus advisers and planners receive Microsoft Office 365 licences and email.

No. Corbel is independent and does not have a platform it prefers advisers and planners to use.

Finpath is Corbel’s own adviser software, designed to join up the advice process, reduce paper, reduce signatures and improve efficiency. It is continually evolving based on adviser feedback, with an extensive programme of enhancements planned for 2026.

Finpath is designed to remove pinch points in the advice process and reduce administration time. This helps advisers and planners spend more time with clients or improve their work-life balance.

The primary system for advisers and planners in the network is Finpath. You will also use email, Microsoft Office and related services, as well as direct provider websites where needed.

Yes. Corbel completes the initial technology set-ups needed for advisers and planners, and the support team can help whenever required.

Yes. Finpath is Corbel’s bespoke software for advisers and planners and is designed to help manage clients and cases more efficiently.