Building Tomorrow’s Financial Planners: Inside the Hoxton Wealth Pathway Programme

The latest episode of the Hoxton Life Podcast dives into an exciting development for the future of financial planning careers—the Hoxton Wealth Financial Planner Pathway Programme. Host Sam Oakes sits down with Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, and Jacob Hall, Global Director of Advisory, to explore what makes this pathway a unique, structured opportunity for aspiring international financial planners. Designed to equip planners with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to thrive, the Hoxton Pathway Programme is more than just a career step—it’s a transformative journey.

In the UK, the financial planning profession is facing a pressing adviser gap. With only 9% of UK adults seeking paid financial advice in the past two years, down from 11% in 2023, and the average financial planner now 58 years old, the profession expects a wave of retirements in the next five years. This leaves an urgent need for new, well-prepared talent. The traditional path to financial planning, however, often focuses heavily on technical knowledge without providing adequate training in business development, client relationships, or prospecting. The Hoxton Pathway Programme addresses this need head-on.

“What’s often missing in traditional financial planning roles is a focus on business development and building client relationships—or what we call prospecting here at Hoxton Wealth,” says Chris Ball on the podcast. “We invest heavily in lead generation, providing our trainees with a steady stream of inbound leads. This helps them build successful habits early in their careers, setting the foundation for long-term growth.”

A Global Reach and Local Focus

Founded in 2018, Hoxton Wealth has expanded to a team of over 250 professionals across six locations, managing over ￡2 billion in assets. This growth stems from a commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-based advice across multiple jurisdictions, opening up incredible opportunities for financial planners. With offices in Dubai, the UK, the USA, Australia, and beyond, Hoxton supports clients worldwide, offering planners an international career with substantial reach.

“Hoxton is an internationally focused financial advice business,” Chris explains on the podcast. “Our goal has always been to provide good quality financial advice to people who need it, wherever they are.”

The Financial Planner Pathway Programme at Hoxton Wealth is structured to prepare individuals for a career in financial planning with a global reach, offering in-depth training, mentorship, and a clear path for progression.

A Four-Stage Pathway to Success

The pathway programme is divided into four stages, each aimed at developing specific skills, instilling confidence, and building expertise. The journey starts with six months in the UK, where trainees are immersed in Hoxton’s systems, processes, and culture. This familiar environment helps them get comfortable with the business before transitioning internationally.

“We wanted to ease people into the profession,” says Jacob Hall on the podcast. “Starting in the UK allows trainees to get comfortable with the business, meet key people, and learn in a familiar environment before moving internationally.”

After the initial six months, trainees visit Dubai for two weeks to get a taste of international financial planning. If Dubai feels like the right fit, they make the move permanently and continue their development there. Unlike traditional career pathways, there is no set timescale for advancement; some of Hoxton’s most successful financial planners have spent four to five years in the trainee role, taking the time to develop their skills, build client relationships, and grow a substantial client base before stepping up to the next level.

Mentorship and Building Client Relationships

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the pathway. Every trainee is paired with an experienced planner who provides guidance, feedback, and support. Success in financial planning goes beyond technical knowledge—it’s about connecting with clients, understanding their goals, and building relationships that last.

“You need to be disciplined and open to feedback,” Chris says. “We are investing in our people because we believe in their potential to succeed and grow with us.”

Hoxton’s senior planners are directly involved in training and mentorship, sharing their insights on client relationships, networking, and working with international clients. This practical guidance complements the technical skills and ensures that planners build a well-rounded skill set.

“We teach you how to fish,” explains Sam on the podcast. “Our goal is to give you the tools to become a great financial planner, so you can build a rewarding career with us.”

Developing Habits for Long-Term Success

The Hoxton pathway programme stands out for its emphasis on business development and prospecting from day one. Many traditional training pathways overlook these crucial skills, but at Hoxton, they are central to the programme. By providing trainees with a steady flow of inbound leads, Hoxton ensures they establish successful habits early on, learning how to develop a client base and nurture it over time.

“Building a client bank is fundamental to a financial planner’s success,” Jacob explains. “Our programme ensures that trainees are not just knowledgeable about financial products but are also adept at understanding client needs and fostering long-term relationships.”

By developing these habits early, trainees are set up for a successful, sustainable career with a strong foundation.

Career Growth and Earning Potential

The pathway programme is also structured to help planners reach meaningful financial milestones over time, with starting salaries expected to grow from ￡34,000 in the first year to around ￡120,000 as they progress. For those who excel, the earning potential is even greater.

“There’s no glass ceiling here,” says Jacob. “With hard work, self-belief, and the right mindset, there’s truly no limit to what you can achieve at Hoxton.”

Hoxton’s approach emphasises both financial rewards and long-term growth, enabling planners to move from independent client meetings to managing a growing network and building a team. By stage four, planners often start expanding their support network with paraplanners and administrative assistance.

Supporting the Future of Financial Planning

The Hoxton Wealth pathway programme is more than just a training opportunity—it’s a career ecosystem designed to support planners at every stage. Unlike traditional models that rely on self-employment and commission-only roles, Hoxton offers an employed pathway, allowing planners to focus on growth without the pressures of immediate client acquisition.

“It’s about creating an ecosystem where financial planners can grow, develop, and achieve their full potential,” Sam explains on the podcast. “We want people who are excited about the future, driven to succeed, and committed to building lasting client relationships.”

With a tech-driven approach, dedicated compliance and tax support, and access to global markets, Hoxton provides planners with a distinctive platform to make a real impact. Hoxton planners have the freedom to specialise, build personal brands, and set themselves apart in the profession—all while benefiting from the resources of a leading international financial advice business.

The Hoxton Difference

The Financial Planner Pathway Programme is more than a career step—it’s a launchpad for a career offering financial rewards, personal growth, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in clients’ lives. With a clear career framework, ongoing mentorship, and a focus on integrity and client service, Hoxton Wealth is transforming the financial planning profession from the inside out.

“We’re not just building careers here; we’re building futures,” Chris concludes. “For our planners and for our clients, that’s what it’s all about.”

For those considering a career in financial planning or looking to advance within the profession, this episode of the Hoxton Life Podcast offers a comprehensive look at the pathway Hoxton has developed and the support system that sets it apart. It’s an invitation to join a community committed to building meaningful, impactful careers in financial planning. Visit our Careers page for more information about joining Hoxton Wealth.

Tune in to the Hoxton Life Podcast to hear more about this pathway and how it can be your stepping stone to a successful, fulfilling future in financial planning.