Paraflo provides outsourced paraplanning support for financial advisers and firms, helping you deliver clear, accurate and compliant advice without the overheads of an in‑house paraplanning team. Below, we have set out answers to some of the most common questions advisers ask when working with us, covering how our services operate, how cases are managed, and what you can expect when outsourcing paraplanning to Paraflo. Our aim is to provide clarity and transparency from the outset, so you can be confident in how we work together.
FAQs
Q: What services does Paraflo offer?
A: Paraflo provides comprehensive paraplanning support, including suitability reports, financial planning reports, illustrations, research and ongoing advice administration. Work is completed based on the information and instructions provided, in line with agreed scope and processes.
Q: Why choose outsourced paraplanning?
A: Outsourced paraplanning provides access to experienced technical support without the cost and commitment of hiring in‑house. It allows flexibility during busier periods, supports workload management and helps maintain consistent output, while giving you more time to focus on clients and advice delivery.
Q: How do I submit a case to Paraflo?
A: All cases are submitted via GoSubmit, which is Paraflo’s standard and secure case submission platform. Each case must be accompanied by the required supporting documents to ensure the case can be assessed and worked on efficiently.
Q: When does work start on my case?
A: Work begins once a case has been reviewed and confirmed as workable. A case is typically considered workable when all required documentation has been provided, saved correctly and sufficient information is available to begin analysis. If information is missing or unclear, we will contact you before work commences.
Q: How long will it take to work on my case?
A: Turnaround times depend on the complexity of the case and your selected service level. As a general guide, we aim to review cases within up to two working days of confirmation as workable, with a draft report typically provided within a further five working days. Retainer clients may benefit from priority access, subject to capacity and receipt of complete information.
Q: Can I submit multiple cases at once?
A: Yes. Multiple cases can be submitted; however, each case must be submitted separately. Be mindful that we can only work on one case at one time, so if you’re submitted more than one case and have a preferred priority order, to let us know what this is at the time of submission.
Q: Can I add information after submitting a case?
A: Yes. Additional documents can be uploaded to the existing case folder where required. If new information is added, please email us to confirm the update, particularly where it may impact the advice, calculations or scope of the case.
Q: What happens if information is missing or unclear?
A: If documentation is incomplete, unclear or missing, the case may not be immediately workable. In these circumstances, work will pause until the required information is received and delivery timescales may need to be adjusted accordingly. We will contact you once we have triaged the case to let you know if this is the case.
Q: What templates are used for reports?
A: We are able to work using your existing report templates, provided these are supplied at onboarding or prior to case work commencing. This ensures consistency with the reports you already deliver to your clients.
Q: How is my client data kept confidential?
A: Client data is handled in line with UK GDPR and data protection requirements, with security embedded throughout our processes. All cases and supporting documentation are submitted to Paraflo via GoSubmit, our secure case submission platform, which acts as the controlled entry point for sharing sensitive client information.
Once received, documentation is stored securely within Paraflo’s SharePoint environment, with controlled, role‑based access to ensure information is only available to those authorised to work on the case. Completed work is shared back with adviser firms via secure links rather than email attachments, helping to minimise risk and maintain a clear audit trail.
Client information is treated with strict confidentiality at all times and is never shared outside of what is required to complete the agreed paraplanning work. Secure storage, access management and document handling form a core part of how Paraflo operates, providing reassurance that client data is protected throughout the lifecycle of a case.
Q: What happens when a case is completed?
A: Once complete, final outputs are saved within the Paraflo folders and shared with you via a secure link. Following confirmation and any agreed amendments, reports are marked as final and the case is archived securely for future reference.
Q: Can Paraflo be used on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis?
A: Yes. Paraflo can be used on an ad‑hoc, case‑by‑case basis with no minimum volume, subject to capacity and receipt of complete information. Retainer options are also available for firms requiring regular, ongoing support.
Q: Who is responsible for the advice?
A: Paraflo provides paraplanning support based on the information and instructions supplied. Responsibility for the advice given to the client, including suitability and compliance, remains with the adviser and adviser firm.
Q: What services does Paraflo not provide?
A: Unless explicitly agreed, Paraflo does not communicate directly with clients, chase providers, provide compliance sign‑off, submit applications or complete provider forms on behalf of advisers.