Baggette + Co. Wealth Management continues its ambitious growth with a new milestone as Poole-based Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) Harry Shivas achieves Chartered status at just 25 years old – making him one of the youngest Chartered Financial Planners in the country.
It’s a significant personal milestone for Harry and a testament to his determination and focus so early in his career. His achievement reflects the same commitment to excellence, development and high professional standards that underpin Baggette + Co.’s approach to financial planning and wealth management across Dorset, Bournemouth and Hampshire.
What Chartered Status Means for Clients
Chartered status is widely recognised as the gold standard for financial advisers, representing the highest level of technical knowledge, client-first service, and ethical practice in financial planning.
To achieve this level, advisers must complete the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, hold membership of the Personal Finance Society, and accumulate at least five years of relevant experience.
For Harry, who began gaining experience during his university placement year, achieving this milestone so early is a rare distinction for a young IFA in Dorset.
Harry explained:
“For me, it isn’t about the title – it’s about reassurance. Becoming Chartered gives clients confidence that the financial advice they receive meets the highest professional benchmark and that I’m equipped to support more complex needs. My focus will always remain on providing grounded, client-led advice, but this status adds another layer of trust and confidence to those relationships.”
Among the Youngest in the Country
With only 0.6% of financial advisers under the age of 25 , the fact that Harry has reached Chartered status at this stage in his career makes him one of the youngest in the UK to do so.
Harry said:
“It’s something I’m proud of, but more than anything, it’s a foundation to build on. It gives me the platform to keep learning, developing and offering clients the very best financial advice I can.”
Continuous Learning, Not Growth for Growth’s Sake
Since joining Baggette + Co., Harry has continued to build on his professional success, now studying for the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) with plans to progress toward the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification – a step that further strengthens his technical capability to advise clients on complex investment needs.
Oscar Hjalmas, CEO of Baggette + Co. Wealth Management, praised the achievement:
“At Baggette + Co. we believe that learning never stops. Harry’s drive to achieve Chartered status so early is an inspiration to the whole team. Jo and I are passionate about building a culture where everyone – regardless of role – is encouraged to keep learning, growing, and adding value to our clients.
We’re not interested in growth for growth’s sake. Our priority is always to bring in advisers who are not only technically excellent but also fantastic people to work with – the kind of professionals our clients can truly rely on.”
A Period of Sustained Growth
This news comes as Baggette + Co. Wealth Management continues its ambitious expansion following a sustained period of growth over the last two years. The firm has seen its Independent Financial Advisers, Client Services and Paraplanning teams grow significantly, reinforcing its ability to deliver high-quality support to both advisers and clients.
This growth has also been reflected at a senior level with the recent appointments of a Head of Marketing and Head of Client Services – two key strategic hires helping to elevate brand presence, deepen client engagement and enhance awareness of the value of independent financial planning.
Investing in Future Generations of Financial Advisers
Harry is also a strong advocate for Baggette + Co.’s Financial Adviser Development Academy, launched earlier this year. The Academy provides a clear, structured pathway for aspiring advisers – from entry-level roles through to Chartered Financial Planner status – combining exams, mentoring, and hands-on client experience.
The next intake window for the Academy will be announced later this year, offering opportunities for new entrants to follow in Harry’s footsteps as future Independent Financial Advisers in Dorset.
Harry said:
“It’s fantastic to work in a firm that grows and nurtures its own financial advisers. Starting earlier, gaining real experience, and being guided by people who’ve recently completed the journey makes a huge difference. It shows Baggette + Co. is serious about shaping the future of financial planning.”
Commitment to Excellence in Wealth Management
Baggette + Co. remains firmly committed to investing in exceptional people, maintaining its reputation as one of the most trusted and experienced wealth management firms in Dorset and the South Coast.
Established in Poole in 1986, the firm has consistently grown by attracting top independent financial advisers who share its values of transparency, independence, and long-term client relationships. Following a management buyout in 2023 by CEO Oscar Hjalmas and Business Adviser Jo Hjalmas, the firm has expanded to over 30 professionals, offering experienced pension advice, retirement planning, and investment advice across Dorset, Bournemouth, Hampshire and beyond.
Interested in a Career in Wealth Management?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in financial planning or would like to speak with one of our Independent Financial Advisers in Poole, contact Jo Hjalmas on 01202 676983 or email [email protected].
Baggette & Company Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Information is correct to the best of our understanding as at the date of publication. Nothing within this content is intended as, or can be relied upon, as financial advice.
Capital is at risk. You may get back less than you invested.
The value of an investment and the income from it could go down as well as up. The return at the end of the investment period is not guaranteed, and you may get back less than you originally invested.
Tax rules may change, and the value of tax reliefs depends on your individual circumstances.