Prestwood Software has confirmed its founder and the founder of the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP), Paul Etheridge, has died.
Etheridge, who was 83 last year, was the first president of the IFP after founding it and also founded his software firm over 40 years ago.
Announcing his death today (9 January), Prestwood said Etheridge was "probably the most experienced and knowledgeable financial planner in the UK" having pioneered cashflow modelling and contributed to the professionalism and status of planning for many decades.
Etheridge also ran the Advanced Planners Group, which provided masterclasses on advice focussed on client-centric approaches. This came, Prestwood stated, at a time when "the emphasis elsewhere in financial services was very much on creating profit from products".
Outside of work, Etheridge was a Justice of the Peace, a former chair of governors at Wycliffe School, and a member of the Territorial Army for over 60 years.
Prestwood managing director Ritchie Walton said: "To have worked alongside Paul for nearly three decades has been a privilege. His passion to share his knowledge with all who wanted to improve themselves and the financial planning profession was relentless.
"His presence will be sorely missed by many."
