Philippa Hann is stepping into her new role at Paradigm Norton with a fresh perspective. Drawing from her background in financial services litigation, Hann wants to focus on a blend of technology and personal client relationships at her new firm. Her approach aims to combine innovative solutions with a human touch, offering clients a personalised and efficient experience. As she leads Paradigm Norton into this new phase, the business is set to refresh its approach to financial advice and continue its success in the profession.
From litigation to leadership
As Philippa Hann embarks on her journey as the new CEO of Paradigm Norton, she is bringing with her a wealth of experience from the legal sector. Until March 2024, Philippa was an equity partner at Clarke Willmott Solicitors, where she specialised in litigation within financial services. Her career has been marked by a unique blend of legal expertise and a deep understanding of financial planning, which she now aims to harness in her new role.
“Until the end of March, I was a lawyer, having spent 20 years specialising in financial services litigation,” Philippa explains. “It’s quite an interesting shift to move from suing financial advisers to leading a financial advisory firm.”
Bridging two worlds
Philippa’s career path is anything but conventional. Initially, her legal work involved general commercial litigation, but a shift to financial services led her to become dual-qualified as a financial adviser. Although she never advised clients directly, Philippa’s exposure to financial planning from a legal perspective has profoundly shaped her approach.
“I discovered the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) early on, which was incredibly formative for me,” she notes. “It provided me with valuable insights into the advisory world and the impact that thoughtful, client-focused advice can have.”
A new chapter: writing and leading
Beyond her legal career, Philippa has been active in various roles, including non-executive positions with financial firms and working with RQ, a collaboration platform for professionals. She is also co-authoring a book with Dr Moira Somers, a clinical neuropsychologist, exploring why advice in financial services can sometimes go awry.
“The book delves into why good people sometimes make poor decisions in financial services,” Philippa reveals. “It’s about understanding the environmental pressures and motivations behind these choices.”
The book, set to be published in late 2025, will provide a fresh perspective on the challenges within financial services, drawing on Philippa’s extensive experience and Dr Somers’s psychological insights.
Embracing new challenges
As Philippa transitions to Paradigm Norton, she brings a fresh outlook shaped by her years of legal practice. Her approach will focus on long-term thinking and simplicity, values she believes are crucial for avoiding short-term pitfalls.
“I’ve seen many issues arise from short-term thinking,” she explains. “My goal is to incorporate a long-term perspective that benefits clients for generations to come.”
Addressing gender inequality
Philippa’s move to CEO also highlights the ongoing issue of gender inequality within financial services. Reflecting on her experiences, she acknowledges the strides made but emphasises the need for further progress.
“While things have improved, women are still underrepresented in senior leadership roles,” Philippa says. “It’s vital to have more women in these positions, not just as role models but as leaders who can drive change.”
She also points to the need for women to advocate for themselves and build supportive networks, suggesting that curiosity and relationship-building are key.
“Building relationships through simple acts like having coffee with others in the industry can be incredibly valuable,” she advises. “It’s about understanding barriers and learning from others’ experiences.”
Focusing on human-centric advice
At Paradigm Norton, Philippa is committed to advancing a human-centric approach to financial planning. She has seen firsthand the pitfalls of impersonal, algorithm-driven advice and is passionate about the value of personalised, impactful relationships.
“The real magic in financial planning comes from having a planner who understands your needs and challenges you to make the most of your resources,” she says. “I’ve personally benefited from such advice, and I want to see even more of this approach at Paradigm Norton.”
The role of technology
While Philippa is excited about the role of technology in financial planning, she sees it as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human interaction.
“Technology can assist with the heavy lifting, but it’s the human relationship that truly makes a difference,” she explains. “It’s about using technology to enhance, not replace, the personal connection.”
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Philippa’s vision for Paradigm Norton is to strengthen its reputation as a leading firm known for its client impact and relational approach. She is particularly interested in focusing on particular client groups with specific needs that may have historically been underrepresented, such as women and philanthropists, areas she believes are ripe for growth.
“I want Paradigm Norton to be known for its profound impact on clients’ lives,” Philippa concludes. “We aim to help people live their best lives, not just financially but holistically.”
As Philippa Hann steps into her new role, her blend of legal acumen, financial insight, and commitment to client-centred advice positions Paradigm Norton for an exciting future. Her leadership promises to bring both innovation and a renewed focus on the human elements of financial planning.
