Mark Thomson FPFS ACSI
QFA (RoI)

Mark has worked in various guises in the financial services profession for over 38 years, having begun his career working for building societies and insurance companies, before setting up and heading an independent financial services department within a large regional firm of solicitors. He has also run his own IFA firm and acted as the Compliance Officer for a boutique group of companies turning over up to in excess of £100m (within which there were up to three FCA authorised and regulated firms).

Experience

Having advised a number of professional and other practices on financial services regulatory matters, Mark is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and an Associate of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments. He also holds Qualified Financial Adviser status in the Republic of Ireland, and has achieved ISACA Certification in Information Security Management.

Career highlights

• Having dinner with Sterling Moss whilst attending a racing track day at Brands Hatch, after winning a business competition in the early 1990’s.

• Being presented with the Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society in London. It took many hours of dedicated study and examinations to obtain.

• Having had the privilege of working with clients from a whole array of walks of life, including sports people, musicians and politicians at various points along the way.

Q&A

Q: Tell us something interesting about you.

I am big fan of American sports, particularly the NFL (Atlanta Falcons) and, in 2017, went to the Houston Astrodome to watch the Falcons play the New England Patriots play in Superbowl 51. I have also competed in power lifting competitions and have frustrated several guitar teachers with my inability to play!

Q: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

The summit of Everest, although I have never been - and will never be - fit enough to do it!