Our Credentials

Gold Standard Award Winners

We are proud to hold the Gold Standard for Independent Financial Advice. We are the only Scottish firm of financial advisers to have been awarded this accolade and one of only nine in the UK. The award was presented to Margaret Mearns and Malcolm Steel in the House of Commons on the 23rd November 2011. This was the third consecutive year that we were awarded the Gold Standard, having also attained it in 2009 and 2010.

Judges Comments:

2011

“Mearns delivers a bespoke approach and a high level of client care is witnessed. Judges were impressed with the passion displayed for supporting client understanding and commitment to education. Excellent communication skills, which are used effectively at business and industry level”

2010

“Top quality professional standards and procedures underpin an excellent proposition from Mearns. Judges were particularly impressed with the annual review service that is exemplary in terms of examining both performance and volatility. Mearns punches way above its weight for a firm of this size”

2009

“The client service proposition is transparent and easy to understand. It is also written in user friendly language that is comprehensible without being condescending. The advice process is well constructed and they make a great effort to set out issues of risk and return in a way that clients should understand.”

Chartered Financial Planner Designation

In January 2008, we were awarded the prestigious Chartered Financial Planners designation by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) making us the sixth firm in Scotland to achieve this designation.

When you use a Chartered firm you are dealing with proven professionals. The CII is empowered by the Privy Council to award Chartered status, and the award is only made in deserving cases. Although Chartered titles are steeped in history, they remain the benchmark of professional excellence and integrity.

Only the UK’s premier financial planning firms qualify for Chartered status. If you wish to know more about how using a Chartered firm can ensure you get the best possible advice, service and support, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Corporate Adviser Awards

Our Mearns Corporate Solutions business was the first Scottish firm to be shortlisted for the Small Firm of the Year in the Corporate Adviser Awards 2012. These awards recognise the  UK’s top employee benefit advisers and providers.