Lawsons Network: The tech-powered network model driving change across the global wealth management industry

In response to the pandemic, the speed of digital adoption has accelerated sharply amongst businesses and consumers around the globe – and the international financial services sector is no exception. To meet client expectations in this new era of technology, financial advisers and IFA networks have been compelled to transform the way they work or be left behind.

LAWSONS NETWORK – DISRUPTING INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA

Launched in November 2021, Lawsons Network was founded to give international IFAs an alternative to the traditional network model, with the goal of becoming the world’s leading SaaS IFA network. Encouraging advis- ers to “plug in and go,” the network specialises in game-changing technology that streamlines every element of process – from first point of contact to close of business.

Supporting everyone from independent consultants to larger international firms, Lawsons Network’s goal is to give advisers in the international arena the freedom and flexibility to grow their businesses independently and efficiently.

Membership is expanding significantly every month, with the network already well ahead of its planned growth targets. And with members already spread across 5 continents, the net- work is fast realising its ambition to become a leading international organisation with global reach.

AN EXCITING BUSINESS MODEL THAT’S ATTRACTING NETWORK MEMBERS FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

Membership Acquisition Director Jennifer Toon-Davenport attributes the network’s suc- cesses to its exciting value proposition. “This innovative model has been a long time coming for the offshore financial advisory industry,” she explains. “Lawsons gives advisers a home where they retain control of client relation- ships yet discover a wealth of benefits – tech, regulatory infrastructure, investment support and industry-leading commission rates, to name a few.”

Stephanie Estlick, Lawsons’ Operations Director, elaborates: “Our approach has always been something that sets us apart from other networks. Of course, it’s important to grow our membership and build our network of market-leading product providers. But really, our focus is on delivering our core values – we’re dynamic, efficient and trustworthy – to our members. We’re not about the hard sell. Instead, our aim has been to attract advisers and providers who share our values – and we’re proud of the successes we’re experiencing on that front.”

AT THE HEART OF THE LAWSONS TEAM ARE A TRIO OF TRAILBLAZING WOMEN

Lawsons Network is unusual in that its core team is majority female, a key differentiator in an industry that – despite considerable ad- vances in recent years – is heavily dominated by men. To put it in perspective, according to a report by Deloitte, women in financial services institutions globally held just 21% of board seats in 2021.

Sarah Oglesby, Onboarding Director, joins Jennifer and Stephanie to complete the trail- blazing trio. “Our philosophy is to work hard and get things done,” she explains. “And while our primary aim is to differentiate our business by delivering our core values to our members, we’re also driven by the desire to become the world’s leading IFA network.”

A TECH-POWERED NETWORK FOR THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA

In just a few short months, the pandemic ignited change that might otherwise have taken decades – and nowhere can this be seen more clearly than in technological advances. IFA networks and retail businesses who are still clinging to legacy systems and paper-based processes do so at their peril. From increased profits to improved customer satisfaction lev- els, organisations willing to invest in digital initiatives and embrace technology are reap- ing the benefits.

However, finding the funds for technological investment can prove challenging for inter- national independent advisers, which is why many are searching for networks who are able to provide systems and functionality. Leveraging years of experience of the global wealth management sector, the Lawsons Network team have an in-depth understanding of exactly what IFAs need.

According to Stephanie, the solution is sim- ple: “Our cloud-based multicurrency system streamlines every element of writing business,” she says. Bespoke functionality provided by the network includes cash flow modelling, digital signatures and biometric AML checks, enabling advisers to submit business at the pace generally expected of a retail company – our technology helps advisers form long-term connections with international clients, mak- ing it easy to do business, wherever they’re based.”

Technology isn’t used purely to optimise the client experience; Lawsons Network also lev- erage it to streamline the member experience. As Sarah puts it: “From onboarding and train- ing to writing business and communicating with clients, we give our members the free- dom to control their future remotely, wherever they’re based.”

Jennifer agrees: “Lawson Network’s technolo- gy-driven approach is unique in the industry. We’re giving members the power to run their own business within a business – and it brings me great pleasure to see so many IFAs thriving under our ground-breaking model.”

GIVING IFAS THE FREEDOM TO CONTROL THEIR FUTURE ON THEIR TERMS

One major criticism of IFA networks in recent years is that members essentially sign away control of their own clients – and indeed the direction of their business. Not so with Lawsons Network. “There are no restrictive covenants,” explains Jennifer. “Members own their client relationships and run them via their own targets, without any pressure from the senior leadership team.”

Members have the choice between using Lawsons’ retail umbrella or their company’s brand as Appointed Representatives. “Leveraging the team’s collective experience, both within the international wealth management sector and outside of it, we’ve included elements in the business structure that we know work well,” elaborates Sarah, “so advisers can opt for white labelling or use our cli- ent-facing brand, Lawsons Wealth.”

This fresh, exciting model also provides market-leading commission rates, super quick pay away, daily commissions and regulatory infrastructure: Lawsons Network is affiliated to SO-FIT in Switzerland and licensed and regulated by SCA and SEC through partnership. “From the big picture right down to the fine print, we’ve included elements that we know advisers appreciate,” says Stephanie.

Responsible for the overall membership experience, Jennifer leverages her background in global finance recruitment consultancy – she’s been in the industry since 2005 – to help members achieve their objectives: “From expanding into new geographical regions to working with new providers and attracting the talent to build their teams, I love building rapport with members from the recruitment process then supporting them as they develop their businesses.”

A DEDICATED INVESTMENT TEAM AND NETWORK OF PRODUCT PROVIDERS HELP MEMBERS DIFFERENTIATE THEIR OFFERING

From constructing bespoke portfolio solutions to monitoring individual securities and boosting client engagement with investment support, marketing and commentary, the Lawsons Investment Committee – a dedicated investment team – delivers exceptional sup- port to network members.

“Designed to give clients access to a broad, sophisticated and constantly evolving range of investments, the committee’s cost-effective investment strategies are highly diversified across asset classes, currencies and sectors,” explains Stephanie. “It’s an additional element of the support we offer – one that helps members build value in their service and differentiate their offering.”

In addition, members enjoy access to an exciting, diverse and fast-expanding multitude of product providers – another strategy for boosting members’ client outcomes. Responsible for onboarding, Sarah explains that the network runs “provider webinars and offers numerous development opportunities for members, with the overarching aim of helping them build pro- vider relationships that last.”

SPEARHEADING CHANGE, LAWSONS NETWORK STANDS OUT AS A TECHNOLOGICAL DISRUPTER IN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

In the context of digital adoption across global wealth management, Lawsons Network is rewriting the playbook for IFA networks. As more IFAs catch on to the benefits of this SaaS model – with women at the driving seat – the network can expect to expand its membership and its global reach in 2023 and beyond.

“We’re on a growth pathway,” enthuses Stephanie, “with plans to expand into new and existing regions – including the UAE, the USA, Latin America, Europe, the UK and Asia.” But the final words go to Sarah: “We’re a team who like to get things done – our focus is on delivering our transformational plug-in-and-go service to members.”