Dean Stevens Wealth Management and William Highbourne recognised for commitment to professional standards and client-focused financial advice
Two South West financial planning firms have been awarded CISI Chartered Firm™ status, a professional accreditation granted by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) to organisations that demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct and ongoing staff development.
Cornwall-based Dean Stevens Wealth Management and Devon-based William Highbourne Wealth Management have both secured the designation, joining a select group of firms recognised by the professional body and educational charity.
The accreditation is awarded to financial services firms that meet stringent criteria, including maintaining a professional development programme aligned with CISI continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. The status is intended to provide consumers with confidence that a firm is committed to delivering high-quality professional advice while upholding industry-leading standards.
CISI highlights importance of professional excellence
Announcing the recognition, CISI Chief Executive Tracy Vegro OBE said the achievement demonstrates a clear commitment to professionalism within the financial services sector.
“We are delighted to welcome Dean Stevens and William Highbourne to our global community of select firms holding Chartered Firm™ status. This is a powerful signal to consumers that a financial firm is demonstrably committed to upholding the highest professional standards, and the delivery of top-tier, professional advice.”
The CISI, headquartered in the City of London, is a professional qualifications and membership body serving more than 57,000 members across over 100 countries. Its mission is to promote knowledge, skills, ethics and integrity throughout the securities, investment and financial planning professions.
Dean Stevens Wealth Management marks major milestone
For Dean Stevens Wealth Management, the accreditation represents what the firm describes as recognition of its longstanding commitment to client service and professional standards.
Dean Stevens Chartered FCSI and Amy Stevens, owners of the Cornwall-based business, said: “Achieving CISI Chartered Firm status is a proud milestone for our business and a reflection of the standards, professionalism and client-first approach that sit at the heart of everything we do.
“From day one, our focus has been on building a business based on trust, long-term relationships and doing the right thing for clients through every stage of life. We believe great financial planning is about far more than numbers, it is about giving people confidence, clarity and peace of mind for the future.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and our continued commitment to delivering high quality financial planning with integrity, care and professionalism.”
The firm said the designation reflects the efforts of its team and reinforces its focus on helping clients navigate financial decisions through all stages of life.
William Highbourne emphasises growth and development
Devon-based William Highbourne Wealth Management also welcomed the achievement, describing it as an important endorsement of the firm’s approach to financial planning and investment management.
Stuart Hutton, Chartered FCSI, Chartered Wealth Manager and Principal at William Highbourne Wealth Management, said: “Achieving CISI Chartered Firm™ status is a significant milestone for William Highbourne and reflects our commitment to professional excellence and continuous development across the Southwest.
“This recognition highlights the strength and dedication of our team and reinforces our focus on delivering high-quality, client-centred financial planning. Through our discretionary and model portfolio services, we provide a disciplined, research-driven investment approach aligned with clients’ long-term objectives.
“We remain committed to maintaining these standards as we grow, including through Aristo Capital, our B2B adviser proposition supporting advisers with robust investment solutions, governance frameworks, and high-quality portfolio management.”
The firm said the accreditation strengthens its position as it expands its services across the region and develops its adviser support offering through Aristo Capital.
Growing emphasis on trust in financial services
The award comes at a time when professionalism, transparency and continuing education remain central themes across the financial advice sector. Chartered status is increasingly viewed as a benchmark for firms seeking to demonstrate high levels of expertise and commitment to client outcomes.
By achieving CISI Chartered Firm™ status, both Dean Stevens Wealth Management and William Highbourne Wealth Management have signalled their commitment to maintaining rigorous professional standards while continuing to invest in staff development and client service.
The recognition also reinforces the CISI’s wider objective of raising standards across the financial services industry and strengthening public trust in professional financial advice.
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