Meet the team

John Sangster

Director, Chartered Wealth Manager, Compliance & Investments

John heads up our investment research and compliance and joined RPG Chartered Financial Planners in 2014 as a Chartered Wealth Manager. John is our Compliance Officer as well as Chairman of the RPG Chartered Financial Planners Investment Committee.

At work

John has over 15 years’ experience in wealth management in the UK. Prior to joining RPG Chartered Financial Planners, he worked for five years at an independent stockbroking firm based in the North West, becoming an associate Director in 2007.

In 2011, John obtained the Private Client Investment Advice and Management qualification from the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments (CISI), at the same time being awarded individual Chartered status.

In 2018 he obtained the CISI Level 6 Certificate in Pension Transfers & Planning Advice and in 2021 attained the CISI Level 6 Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning.  John is continuing his studies and hopes to obtain the CISI Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning and the prestigious CFP designation in the near future.

Since joining RPG Chartered Financial Planners, John has taken on a number of different projects, most recently taking responsibility for the operations side of the business driving through a change of back-office system.

He specialises in investment advice, protection and pension planning and has significant experience advising high & ultra high net worth individuals and families.

At home

John is married to Becky.

He loves travelling, especially to France & Italy, and also enjoys cycling and watching Tranmere Rovers FC.

Advice you can trust

All regulated financial advisers must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and therefore appear on their register. You can find John’s entry here.

Furthermore, all advisers must have an up-to-date Statement of Professional Standing (SPS). This shows they are suitably qualified and have carried out the required amount of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). You should be wary of any advisers who refuse to provide copies of their SPS. You can click here to view John’s.

accreditation
accreditation
accreditation

Qualifications

  • Economics BA (Hons), University of Liverpool
  • Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI) Level 6 Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning
  • CISI Private Client Investment Advice and Management Certificate (Level 6)
  • CISI Level 6 Certificate in Pension Transfers & Planning Advice, granting Pension Transfer Specialist status
  • CISI – Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Completed the CISI Sustainable and Responsible Investment Professional Assessment
  • Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments
  • Chartered Wealth Manager, awarded by the CISI
  • Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute
  • Currently working towards the CISI Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning and Certified Financial Planner status

What our clients say

The majority of my time has been spent running a business and concentrating on making the correct day-to-day decisions; it was essential for me to gain advice and guidance. Phill and his team at RPG have been able to guide me and provide a balanced portfolio. Without turning to RPG, I would have been unable to arrange my long-term financial future. They have a vast amount of knowledge and have produced the results essential for when I decide to retire.

John S, Shropshire

Director

Because our business was growing every year, we didn't really look at how the money we were making was put to best use. We needed some expert advice to lead us in the right direction. Anthony O'Connor has always been very helpful and approachable whilst dealing with our affairs. We are left to do what we do best: run a business. We would highly recommend anybody who is seeking financial advice to look at the services Anthony and his team can provide.”

John and Carole, Cheshire

Business owners

We decided to use Phill Owen to help us with our financial planning as our savings, mortgage and life policies did not seem coordinated. Phill provided a clear plan for the future. He helped us organise our wills, inheritance matters and our future retirement. With our face-to-face catchups and regular emails or phone calls, Phill has always given us sound advice. This, in turn, has given us the peace of mind that our financial matters, now and in the future, are in good hands and in good order.

Nick and Christine, Shropshire

Retired Dairy Consultant and Retired NHS Therapist

I started using RPG on the advice of my bank when I started my own limited company. They have guided me through potential pitfalls in such a friendly manner that, even though our relationship has always been professional, I still consider them as friends. This journey has gone through setting up my company, tax, VAT, insurance advice, setting up wills, buying a different house and ensuring my wife and sons are provided for, both now and in the future. It has been such an easy journey. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.

John M, Manchester

Aircraft Engineer

My wife and I have been clients of Phill's for 25 years; 20 of which were with RPG Chartered Financial Planners. 17 years were prior to retirement and nine years have been post-retirement. Their involvement has been crucial to dissipate our financial and estate management concerns. RPG’s staff have been exemplary; always approachable and quick to respond. We have no reason to believe that this tremendous working relationship will not be as successful in the future as it has been in the past. We have no hesitation in recommending them.

Paul and Pat S

Retired Veterinary Surgeon and Retired College Lecturer

I am a Chartered Structural Engineer and have very little knowledge, experience or understanding of financial affairs and investments. Approximately six years ago I started to think about early retirement. For the past six years RPG have provided excellent financial planning and tax-efficient advice in the form of a combination of pension and cash ISA investments, which have grown significantly to such an extent that early retirement is imminent.

Pete, Manchester

Chartered Engineer

Early in 2000, we decided we needed financial advice. We contacted Phillip Owen, who created a financial planning strategy that addressed all our needs. We were impressed with his advice, and so a partnership began that has lasted. Original goals are still being met and often exceeded, and investments are successful. There is long-term financial planning in place, even for the youngest family members. I highly recommend Phill and his team.

Mike, Westminster

Retired Teacher and Volunteer Sector Adviser

We were in need of an adviser who could provide a wide spectrum of advice for managing our portfolio. We met Anthony on several occasions to understand his breadth of experience, and we were very impressed. Anthony's team took the reins in consolidating and rationalising our portfolio. We are very pleased with Anthony's service and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship with him.

Atul and Nita, London

IT Consultant & Accountant

Anthony O’Connor has advised me over several years about pensions and general financial planning.  I have found him knowledgeable, supportive and a person who provides good solutions . He has a “can do “ approach and makes things happen.  I have recommended him to a number of friends and they are all happy with his support and advice  He is always good humoured which is a good quality when planning ones financial affairs.

Geoffrey Smith, Manchester

Solicitor

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