We are delighted to announce that George Smart has successfully passed his final exam, achieving the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS). This marks an important milestone in George’s professional journey, paving the way for him to become a fully qualified financial adviser.

George first joined Walker Crips Financial Planning during his placement year in 2022/23, gaining hands-on experience across the business and quickly demonstrating an aptitude for technical work and client support. After completing his degree, he returned to the company in September 2024 as a graduate, picking up his professional studies immediately.

He began studying for his first exam, R01, in October 2024 and sat his final paper, R06, in October 2025, completing the full diploma in just 12 months.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from such an experienced team,” said George. “The support I’ve received has made a huge difference, and I’m excited to take the next step towards advising clients and building my career at Walker Crips Financial Planning.”

Throughout his training, George has been mentored by Matthew Crawshaw, Senior Financial Planner, whose guidance continues to support his development. With ongoing structured training and supervised experience, George is expected to be fully signed off and ready to advise clients in early 2026.

Dominic Martin, Managing Director of Walker Crips Financial Planning, praised George’s dedication:

“George has shown exceptional drive, discipline and professionalism. Passing all diploma exams within a year is a remarkable achievement, and we are extremely proud of how he is developing. He has a bright future ahead, and we look forward to seeing him grow into a confident, capable adviser.”

George’s progression is a testament to the strength of the firm's talent pipeline, supported by long-running partnerships such as the internship programme with the University of York, through which George first joined the business.

We congratulate George on this significant achievement and look forward to supporting him as he continues his journey towards becoming a fully authorised financial adviser in 2026.