Paul's details

Qualifications Accreditations

About Paul

I joined Sanlam in 2013 and founded Sanlam’s financial planning team “Sanlam Arete Financial Planning” in 2017. I was motivated by a desire to build a financial advice service that truly puts clients first. I wanted to create a business that specifically separates fees for advice from financial product sales – something that makes us distinctive and appealing to clients.

As well as being the Managing Director of the firm, I am a Chartered Financial Adviser. I specialise in advising clients on how to make a return on their money, minimise tax and maximise their pensions.

All of my work with clients is undertaken within the context of building a motivational and totally bespoke financial plan.

The part of my job I enjoy the most...

That moment when someone realises that their life will be materially better in the future, as the plans we have built and worked towards together come to fruition.

When I'm not at work, you'll find me...

Driving my children to and from their different clubs.

Important information

Firms and individuals must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carry out regulated financial service activities. Our FCA number is 960483. You can see our details of our FCA registration here.

All financial advisers and planners in the UK must meet certain professional standards and requirements set out by the FCA. One of these requirements is to hold a Statement of Professional Standing (SPS).

You can view my SPS here.

Nice to meet you

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?

A nice walk.

What makes you laugh?

My children, my wife and Nick Cotter.

If you had to take part in Karaoke, what would be your song of choice?

Elvis Presley – If I can dream.

I didn’t realise the context of the song until I saw the movie. I would love to belt it out on the mic, though given my lack of a singing voice, I doubt anyone else would enjoy it!

Which celebrity would you most like to meet up for a coffee / glass of wine and why?

If he were still alive – Neil Armstrong. What a life, what an accomplishment, especially considering no one had ever done it before and it wasn’t even a given that flying to the moon could even occur.

What’s on your bucket list?

To go into space – obviously!

What three items would you take with you to a desert island?

Axe, fishing rod and water desalination kit.

What’s your proudest accomplishment?

Setting up Aretian Wealth Management in 2020.

Have you ever met anyone famous? – story please!

In 2024, I was in the gym with Bionic from the Gladiators. Unsurprisingly, I was being comfortably outlifted.

What is the best gift you’ve ever been given?

The Kindle – pretty much every book ever written in the palm of your hand. All that knowledge for very little. I reckon it’s one of mankind’s greatest ever products.