Cummings wins praise for his contribution to IFA cause

Issued: 24/06/2010 00:00:00

Aifa director general Chris Cummings has won wide-ranging praise for his role in lobbying on IFAs' behalf

Cummings, who took over as Aifa director general in 2005, quit last week and will leave in August to become the first chief executive of TheCityUK, a new body promoting the UK financial and professional services.

Aifa chairman John Gummer will chair an appointment committee made up of members to find a successor. He says: "On behalf of all the membership, I would like to thank Chris for the contribution he has made to the intermediary profession. His skills in negotiation, representation and leadership have been a great asset to us all.

"Chris and his directors have led the profession through some of its greatest challenges. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, both domestically and from Europe, the role of a representative organisation has become ever more difficult but also ever more important.

Cummings says: "I would like to thank the councils, staff and members for all the support they have given me over the past five years. I am immensely proud of the work that Aifa, Ami and AFB do for members. From the ground-breaking FFWD online business academy to the influential Manifesto for Advice, we have tried to ensure intermediary firms are leading the way in levels of professionalism.

"We have fought hard to ensure members receive a fair deal from regulators and policymakers. Our success shows what can be achieved when the intermediary profession speaks with one voice."

Tenet distribution and development director Keith Richards says: "Chris has made an outstanding contribution in raising the profile of IFAs and gaining unilateral respect as an effective negotiator and lobbying agent on behalf of the sector.

"Unfortunately, much of Chris' best work has been conducted behind closed doors and he does not receive the credit he deserves. As far as a successor, although Chris has built a strong team at Aifa, he has left a big gap and it is no small challenge, although I suspect there will be no shortage of takers."

Cicero Consulting director Iain Anderson says: "Chris will be a strong leader of TheCityUK. He knows his way around Government and policymakers and this role allows him to start to spread his wings on the international stage. Ever the diplomat, he will bring tenacity to this job."

Source: Nicole Blackmore, MoneyMarketing, 24th June 2010