Being a Financial Adviser at Openwork offers a unique blend of autonomy, support, and professional growth designed to fit individual ambitions. Whether you’re an experienced advisor or just starting out in the financial industry, Openwork provides a structured yet flexible environment that respects entrepreneurial spirit. With industryrecognized training, competitive remuneration, and robust compliance infrastructure, an Openwork financial adviser role delivers both personal achievement and client impact. In this topic, we will explore key features of the job, including responsibilities, training pathways, compensation structure, and career progression within the Openwork network.
Who Is Openwork?
Leading UK Advice Network
Openwork is one of the largest and longest-established financial advice providers in the UK, partnering with over 4,800 advisers across roughly 900 firms. The network collectively manages assets worth more than £11.5 billion and serves over 1.2 million clients.
Entrepreneurial Culture with Strong Support
The organisation fosters an entrepreneurial environment, allowing advisers to build or join practices aligned with their goals whether focussing on mortgages, protection, wealth management or a combination. Advisers benefit from compliance support, shared technology platforms, and collaborative culture.
Training and Qualification Pathways
Openwork Academy & Business School
Openwork offers structured training programmes through its Academy (formerly Ocademy) and Business School. Since launching in 2014, they have trained hundreds of candidates across wealth, mortgage, and protection programmes.
Accelerated Entry into Qualifications
Trainees, often graduate or early-career candidates, can achieve qualifications such as the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipFA) or CEMAP within 12 months, gaining practical adviser licences early in their journey. Nearly 90 % first-time pass rates highlight the effectiveness of the training.
DaytoDay Responsibilities
ClientCentric Financial Advice
As a financial adviser at Openwork, you’ll meet clients to understand their financial goals, risk profiles, and life plans. You will recommend tailored strategies involving investments, pensions, mortgages, and protection, compliant with FCA-regulated suitability standards.
Ongoing Service and Relationship Management
Long-term client service includes regular reviews, performance monitoring, and adjustments for changing circumstances. Advisers proactively build relationships via networking, referrals, and marketing activities.
Collaborative Working Structure
You’ll work with paraplanners, administrators, and business support teams, ensuring smooth service delivery. Openwork’s central teams handle compliance, pension support, platform services, and adviser development.
Compensation and Benefits
Base Salary and Bonus
For employed planners, advertised salary packages can reach up to £65,000 with 15 % on-target bonuses.
Commission and Profit Share for Selfemployed Advisers
Self-employed advisers can earn up to 80 % commissions on self-generated business and around 45 % on firm-generated leads. Commission split models encourage proactive client acquisition and business growth.
Additional Incentives and Perks
- Pension contributions up to 5 % matched, plus critical illness and income protection.
- Life and medical insurance options alongside flexible benefits.
- Paid holidays with optional purchase of additional days.
Career Progression and Growth
Transitioning to Principal or Partner Roles
Experienced advisers can progress into senior positions such as Principals, equity partners, or regionally appointed roles in Openwork-affiliated firms, supported by the Route to Principal’ programme.
Specialist Adviser Opportunities
Advisers can expand into specialist areas like mortgages, protection planning, and wealth management supported by ongoing CII-accredited leadership and technical training.
Senior or Corporate Roles within Openwork
Beyond client-facing roles, advisers may shift into central support functions in areas like compliance, governance, training, or business development leveraging both technical and strategic skillsets.
Industry Trends and Strategic Backing
Private Equity Investment**
In late 2024, Bain Capital acquired a minority stake in Openwork, committing up to £120 million to its growth. This investment will support adviser succession planning, technological innovation, and enhanced service propositions.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
Openwork is actively working to close the gender gap in financial advice. Around 32 % of recent Academy intake are women well above industry average. The network supports gender parity and broader diversity efforts.
Why Choose a Financial Adviser Role at Openwork?
- Access to structured training with high pass rates and fasttrack licensing
- Blend of autonomy and robust support infrastructure
- Attractive, uncapped commission packages plus employed salary options
- Clear promotional pathways into senior and leadership roles
- Network stability backed by major investment and a strong brand
- Commitment to diversity and inclusive recruitment
A Financial Adviser position with Openwork is an excellent opportunity for anyone focused on delivering tailored financial advice while building a sustainable career. Whether starting out via the Academy or expanding as a self-employed adviser, the blend of proactive training, supportive infrastructure, and flexible remuneration aligns well with both personal ambition and client-centred objectives. Supported by institutional backing and modern career frameworks, advisers at Openwork can look forward to a fulfilling career with clear progression and meaningful impact.