Monenti news update – Exam wins, meet Sarah Griffiths, and a special introduction

Welcome to your latest update from Monenti Partners. 

This month, Sarah Wiltshire and Rob Scarrott have reason to celebrate (again!), plus meet Sarah Griffiths, our senior paraplanner, and Alistair welcomes Master Finley Hopton to his family.

Sarah Wiltshire and Rob Scarrott are one exam away from gaining their Financial Planning Diplomas

Just two months on from passing the R03 exam, Client executives Sarah and Rob have each scored another exam pass, moving them another step closer to gaining the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. 

Their latest success was in the R04 examination, where they successfully proved their knowledge of pensions, retirement planning principles, and regulatory frameworks.

Candidates have to pass six core units to gain the full diploma. With five strong passes under their belts, Sarah and Rob now only have one more exam to go.

As the unstoppable duo continue their studies, we’re cheering them on and supporting them along the way – pitching test questions, providing moral support, and pouring restorative cups of tea.

We’ll keep you posted on their progress as they prepare for the final exam.

Meet Sarah Griffiths – senior paraplanner

Sarah began her financial services career as an apprentice and has worked tirelessly to expand her experience throughout. 

Not satisfied with standing still, she takes every opportunity to learn more – through both training opportunities and hands-on client problem-solving.

Alongside her role as senior paraplanner, Sarah is currently working towards achieving Chartered and Fellow status.

Sarah took a few minutes out of her day to tell us about the work she does and the best financial lesson her father taught her.

Can you tell us more about your role? 

Appointed senior paraplanner at Monenti Partners earlier this year, I provide research, technical knowledge, and report writing for complex cases – primarily covering estate planning, business relief, Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs), and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EISs).

What is the most valuable piece of financial advice anyone ever gave you? 

Start saving and investing as early as you can. 

As my dad likes to say, “Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves.”

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in the financial services profession? 

Be curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

We all started somewhere in the profession, and financial services offers a wide range of career paths – the more experience you gain, the more opportunities you’ll discover.

What three small things always make your day better?

Finding an independent coffee shop, spending time with friends, and being outside. 

3 quickfire questions

Proudest moment? Travelling solo in South East Asia for six months – I stayed within budget, stepped outside my comfort zone, and learned new skills.

Favourite food? Pizza, pasta, and anything else Italian.

Top of your bucket list? Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam – soon to be ticked off in October!

Welcome to the world, Finley Albie Hopton 

Following a smooth delivery and excellent care at the Royal Surrey Hospital, Finley Albie Hopton arrived at 4.07 pm on Tuesday 23 June – when temperatures reached 34.6°C. 

Weighing in at 7lb 6oz, Finley and Mum were both healthy and well, and the family were all home by 8 pm the following evening.

Alistair said, “My wife recovered quickly, which made all the difference. The team at the Royal Surrey were fantastic. Rosie was born at St Thomas’ in London, where the technical care was excellent, but the personal care we received at the Royal Surrey really stood out, especially given the conditions they were working in that week.

“The heat was the main challenge. Luckily, we have a small air-con unit at home, which got us through those first few days. After that, the weather relented and we had some wonderful weeks as a family, with friends and family visiting.

“Sleep is pretty standard for a newborn – though, second time around, I’m convinced it’s easier to cope with. 

“Mostly it’s just been a delight settling in as a family of four. Rosie is very excited about having a new baby brother. She’s helping a lot and being a fantastic big sister. 

“Fortunately, there are no signs of Finley being added to her doll collection just yet.”