Introducing…Murray Paterson Independent Financial Advisers
Blog
Publication date:
21 April 2026
Last updated:
21 April 2026
In our next instalment of Introducing our new corporate Chartered firms, we catch up with Craig Paterson, Director and Chartered Financial Planner at Murray Paterson Independent Financial Advisers who became Chartered Financial Planners in January 2026.
Find out more about what they do, what inspired them to become Chartered and how they found the process.
Could you tell us a little about your firm and the services you provide?
We are a boutique independent financial planning firm providing personalised advice to individuals, families, and business owners. Our focus is on building long-term relationships and delivering clear, tailored financial planning that helps clients make confident decisions about their future. We pride ourselves in guiding our clients through life's toughest challenges and the financial decisions that go alongside them. This often involves major life events such as retirement, losing a loved one, selling a business, divorce and planning your legacy. Each of these events often trigger considerable emotional distress and major financial decisions which coincide. We understand that our role is to support our clients through these difficult moments and move forward with financial confidence.
As independent advisers, we can research the whole of the market and recommend solutions that are truly aligned with our clients’ goals. We take a planning led approach to financial advice, looking at the bigger picture rather than individual products.
Our services typically include retirement planning, investment advice, inheritance tax and estate planning, protection planning, and ongoing financial advice. We work closely with clients to develop and implement long-term strategies designed to grow, protect, and pass on their wealth.
As a smaller firm, we pride ourselves on offering a highly personal service, ensuring clients always deal directly with an experienced adviser who understands their circumstances and objectives.
What inspired your firm to apply for Corporate Chartered status?
We wanted to ensure that our clients understood that they were dealing with an advice firm they can trust.
We wanted clients to understand that they are dealing with a firm who have committed to the highest levels of professional standards and are committed to pursuing qualifications above the minimum requirements. We believe that this undoubtedly improves clients' outcomes and the quality of our advice.
We felt that Chartered status differentiates our firm and makes us stand out more in an industry where trust means everything.
How did you find the application process?
Straightforward and the supporting team were excellent to deal with whenever I had queries.
What does being a Chartered firm represent for your business?
It represents trust and the highest quality of advice and professionalism.
How did you mark this milestone?
We have not done anything yet, but the business also turns 30 years old in May, so we may celebrate both at the same time in some way.
How will you communicate your Chartered status to your clients?
We already have our gold plaque displayed in the main office area, and we have also had the window display on our office door.
We are currently updating our website and plan to have this displayed prominently there too.
What advice would you give to other firms considering applying?
It is something I would always recommend. It is a challenging process both individually and as a business but absolutely worth the effort.
Raising professional standards and building trust in our industry is so important and the more Chartered firms we have the better.
You can learn more about Murray Paterson Independent Financial Advisers here.
If you would like to learn more about Corporate Chartered status, visit our dedicated page.