Independence was the main thing. I had started in the brokerage world, and spent seven years with Canada Life as a consultant. But I have now been about three years out on my own, brokering in homogenous areas such as life assurance, mortgages, pensions and investments, as well as niche areas like syndicated property funds.

So what is the difference between offering these products through a financial institution and doing so on your own?

Again, it is the independence. If you walk into a bank, you can only buy what the bank is offering you.

But, as a broker, it is our duty to explore the best and most suitable products for our clients. I advise my clients, and then it is their choice . . . I don't try to sell them anything. I like meeting people, and I like helping people; and if my clients don't want the products, services or advice, it is they who make the decision. .

Do you think that the public is generally more savvy when it comes to financial products and services?

Definitely.

And does that make your job easier or more difficult It makes it a slight bit harder. A lot has been written about financial matters, by people like Eddie Hobbs, and that is a good thing . . .people are aware of the market. So, in my case, it is a matter of building relationships and trust with my clients, so that they will take my advice on board.

It's funny, but people will trust their accountant, but not necessarily their financial advisor . . . and we have to get over that hurdle to create the trust to be able to operate effectively.

I presume that the high levels of regulation don't make life easier for smaller organisations like yourself. . .

The requirements are incredible, between the files that we have to hold on to and the information that I have to retain. Administration is very heavy for individual brokers, and we have to be able to give justifications for every recommendation that we make. It's like swimming in a straitjacket, but we just have to do it, and the bottom line is that it is what is best for our clients.

So why bother getting into the game It's not for the money, anyway. Working for yourself doesn't mean that you become rich . . . just independent. There are great benefits to working for a company, in terms of salary and benefits, but I have a young family, and I wanted to spend more time with them. It's a cliche, but the work/life balance is important, and I just wanted to be in control of my life.

So no regrets

No regrets.