The hires reflect the firm’s commitment to providing the highest standards of compliance support to its network members, enabling them to excel in their roles and deliver exceptional service to their clients.

ValidPath, a UK-based network for independent financial advisors, has appointed three professionals to join its compliance team.

The appointments of Paul Thompson, Lezanne O’Donoghue and Michael Walker will enhance ValidPath’s compliance support and effective risk management and position network members well to navigate periods of regulatory change, the firm said in a statement. These appointments – with more hires planned – will take the team to 11 members.

Thompson, who has more than 20 years of extensive experience in the mortgage advice sector, will be a support for mortgage advisors within the network. In this newly-created role, Thompson will review files, provide expert technical support, and serve as a point of reference for any mortgage-related enquiries. He will also assist with business development support for network mortgage members. Thompson's background includes various roles within the mortgage sector in addition to founding a whole-of-market mortgage and protection advice business. He was previously a mortgage and protection mentor at Tenet.

O’Donoghue is a qualified financial advisor, also with more than 20 years of experience in financial services. She has a deep background in IFA sales support, business development, and paraplanning, as well as most recently having founded her own advice business under St James’s Place.

Lezanne, who is joining the ValidPath compliance support team, will handle a variety of key roles, including providing financial advice and compliance support to network member queries in respect of technical issues and best practice.

Additionally, Michael Walker, who led a technical support team, is joining from Tenet. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry and is accredited with the CII Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. Walker has worked extensively in technical roles, where he specialised in tax and regulatory support. Walker will provide management and thought leadership within the compliance function to evolve and enhance the compliance framework, as well as working with advisors on regulatory topics.

“I am delighted to welcome Paul, Lezanne, and Michael to the team. With over 65 years of combined experience in financial services advisory, they have a deep understanding of our industry and will significantly enhance our market leading compliance offering,” Angus MacNee, CEO, ValidPath, said. “Their appointments reflect our commitment to providing the highest standards of compliance support to our network members to enable them to excel in their roles and deliver exceptional service to their clients.” 

ValidPath is part of London-headquartered Rimbal, a financial services and technology group “pioneering the future of independent financial advice.” The firm says that hundreds of business owners across the UK choose it support their business – from starting out to selling up (via the ValidPath Succession Solution an alternative to consolidation).