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Rathbones Institute

Financial Services

Career change

Returnships

A 24-month programme for experienced professionals ready to build a new career in wealth management.

Financial Services

Career change

Returnships

Your next career. Built on everything you've already achieved.

The Rathbones Institute is for experienced professionals from any background who are ready to build a new path in wealth management. This is a structured route into a permanent, long-term career — you will learn alongside others, receive regular feedback, and have the support you need to build your confidence and capability at every stage.

Success in wealth management starts with understanding people, earning trust, and helping clients make confident decisions over the long term. These qualities can come from many different professional and personal backgrounds. You do not need previous experience in financial services. What matters is what you have achieved, how you work with people, and your motivation to take your career in a new direction.

Your career so far is not a detour – it’s your greatest asset.

The programme

The Rathbones Institute is a supported, fully funded 24-month programme. It combines group learning, individual study, time with experienced Investment Managers, practical on-desk experience, and mentorship. Your support will be tailored to you – if you already hold relevant qualifications or experience, your development pathway may be adapted accordingly.

01 – Supported Qualification (January to May 2027)

The Institute begins with a one-week in-person induction at Rathbones’ London office, where you meet senior leadership and shadow an Investment Manager to gain first-hand insight into the role. You will then begin full-time study towards the CISI Investment Advice Diploma. This won’t be solitary study, but a combination of group learning, time with Investment Managers, tutor support, mentoring and practical application. Participants who already hold relevant qualifications may follow an alternative route where agreed.

02 – On Desk (June 2027 to November 2028)

From June 2027, you’ll work on desk four days a week and spend one day a week studying towards the CISI Chartered Wealth Manager qualification (Level 7), supported by Rathbones colleagues, Fitch Learning, and AI-enabled tools. You will also begin building relationships and the foundations of a long-term client book, with the appropriate support and supervision. By the programme’s end, you’ll have industry qualifications, practical experience, and the groundwork for long-term client connections.

03 – Post-Qualification (November 2028 onwards)

Support continues after the programme through an in-house coach, ongoing professional development, and mentoring in client relationships. As your experience develops, you can progress in the direction that best fits your strengths and ambitions — whether in Investment Management, Financial Planning or another area of wealth management.

Rathbones Institute's mission, purpose and values

Whether you have spent years building a successful career in a different industry or are returning to work after time away, we believe experience comes in many forms. Your professional and life experience may have shaped the way you build trust, understand people, and create opportunities — qualities we want you to bring with you.

You might come from consulting, law, financial services, the armed forces, elite sport, healthcare, education, technology, or somewhere else entirely. What matters is what you’ve achieved and what you want to do next. You could be a strong fit if:

You have a strong professional track record, typically built over 10 or more years.
You have demonstrated strong results in your previous role.
You are curious about people, financial markets, and the world that shapes them.
You are comfortable learning new information and applying it in unfamiliar situations.
You communicate clearly, listen carefully, and show empathy in your interactions with others.
You can consider different perspectives, test assumptions, and make balanced judgements.

You do not need an existing background in finance. We are interested in the qualities, experience and motivation you bring, and your potential to develop the technical knowledge required for the role.

Anything else you want to know?

Ask Rathbones Institute a question about their ways of working, benefits, or anything else on their profile, and we'll pass it on for them to answer. (Just a heads up, we can't respond to questions about specific roles or applications)

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Employee benefits

We want everyone at Rathbones to fulfil their potential, in an environment where you are proud to work and feel like you belong. We offer a comprehensive remuneration package, which we review regularly and benefits include: