Financial Advisor - Life & Inheritance Tax

About the role

Howden is seeking a highly experienced Financial Adviser to join a specialist advisory team delivering bespoke life insurance solutions for inheritance tax planning, business succession and wealth structuring. The role suits high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients (estate values of £10m+) and is consultative and technically led, not a volume sales position.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on term and whole-of-life planning for IHT liabilities, trust-based protection structures and family wealth preservation, plus personal and business protection needs
• Build strong relationships with private client solicitors, tax advisers, accountants and banking professionals, and support them with case structuring and technical input
• Advise on international assets, multi-jurisdictional estates and non-UK resident clients, including ownership structures and trusts
• Lead high-value cases from pre-underwriting discussions through insurer selection, evidence coordination and negotiation with the in-house underwriting team
• Deliver advice in line with FCA requirements, with suitability reports and advice documentation, and keep up with IHT legislation and protection market developments

Required profile

• Strong experience in advised protection or financial planning, with high net worth clients and sums insured of £5m+
• Track record in introducer-led business models and working alongside solicitors, accountants or other professional advisers
• Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (Level 4) essential; progress towards Chartered or STEP qualifications highly desirable
• Exposure to complex IHT planning, business owner and landed estate or farming clients

Required skills

• Knowledge of UK protection products, trust planning and policy ownership structures
• IHT planning principles and estate liquidity solutions
• Understanding of underwriting approaches for high-value cases and cross-border considerations
• Ability to influence introducers, explain complex strategies to clients and handle sensitive medical information

The role is permanent. Reasonable adjustments, such as flexible hours or hybrid working, may be available depending on the position.