Career Guide
How to Go Self-Employed from an Employed Adviser Role
Could you be earning £180,000–£210,000 a year? Here’s everything you need to know about making the leap.
By James Ackland | Ortus PSR
If you’re a successful Financial Adviser generating £300,000 a year in fee income, you could be taking home between £180,000 and £210,000 annually — but only if you make the move to self-employment.
The financial services job market is full of opportunity right now, with leading Independent firms across the UK competing hard for experienced Wealth Managers and Advisers with solid client followings. But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming to know which path is right for you. This guide breaks it down clearly.
70/30
Typical profit share split
Year 2
When you overtake employed earnings
What Is a Draw — and How Does It Work?
A draw is a no-interest, tax-free loan offered by leading Independent firms to help you transition into self-employment without the financial stress of covering your living costs while you build your business. It’s not a salary — it’s a bridge. And it changes everything.
Payback varies by company, but most operate a payback model where a percentage of your profit share offsets the draw each time you bill. Below is a simple example based on a 70/30 profit share split in favour of the Adviser, where the £3,000/£4,000 a month figure represents your net take-home during the draw period:
| Period |
What’s Happening |
Predicted Billings |
Monthly Draw |
Profit Share Paid |
Draw Balance |
| Year 1 |
Building book. Covenants apply. Billing limited. |
£60,000 – £80,000 |
£3,000 – £4,000/mo (net, tax-free) |
Any profit share offsets draw balance first |
Accumulating |
| Year 2 |
Restrictions lift. Book growing. Fees rising. |
£120,000 – £140,000 |
Draw reducing or stopped |
70% of billed fees, minus draw repayment |
Reducing — earnings exceeding prior salary |
| Year 3 |
Strong book. New clients converting consistently. |
£200,000 – £240,000 |
No draw needed |
70% of fees — draw nearly or fully cleared |
Cleared or minimal |
| Year 4+ |
Full established book. Maximum earning potential. |
£300,000+ |
No draw needed |
70% of £300K+ = £210,000+ |
Cleared — take home £180,000–£210,000+ |
* Figures are illustrative based on a 70/30 profit share split in favour of the Adviser. Actual income will vary depending on billing levels, draw amount agreed, and repayment terms. Always seek independent tax advice before making decisions.
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Key insight: A draw is not starting a business “in debt.” It’s a strategic tool that lets you focus entirely on building your business — without worrying about the mortgage. The company isn’t doing you a favour — it’s a smarter, cheaper alternative to employment for them too.
Why More Advisers Are Choosing Self-Employment
More and more firms are offering self-employed partnership propositions. While the details vary, the core opportunity is the same — and it’s compelling:
⚖️
Better Work/Life Balance
Control your diary, your clients, and your working day.
🎯
Freedom of Choice
Select the best products and services for your clients — not your employer.
📈
Uncapped Earnings
Your revenue grows with your book. No salary ceiling. No cap on your ambition.
🏛️
Established Brand & Support
Build your business under a respected brand with compliance, admin, and infrastructure already in place.
🔒
Draw Safety Net
No-interest, tax-free draw covers your living costs while you build — no financial stress.
🚀
Two Years to Build
Reputable firms give you at least 2 years to grow your book, respecting any restrictions you face in year one.
Is Self-Employment Right for You?
Self-employment isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay. But if the following describe you, the self-employed route could be a natural next step:
✅ You’re ready if you:
- •Are confident your client relationships will outlast any covenants
- • Have the business development skills and drive to grow your book
- • Yearn for a more client-facing, autonomous role
- • Want to build something that is truly yours
- • Are motivated by uncapped earning potential
❗ You may have concerns if you:
- •Have significant financial commitments or are the primary earner at home
- • Rely on the security of a fixed monthly salary
- • Are unsure whether your clients would follow you
This is exactly where a draw solves the problem. It removes the financial risk from the equation entirely — giving you the stability of a regular income while you build your business.
✅ The Self-Employment Checklist
- •Understand your covenants and how long they apply
- • Assess the strength of your client relationships honestly
- • Ask firms about their draw structure — amount, duration, and repayment terms
- • Request a clear breakdown of the profit share split
- • Confirm what support infrastructure is in place (compliance, admin, brand)
- • Understand the timeline — reputable firms give you at least 2 years to build
- • Speak to a specialist recruiter who knows which firms offer the best deals
Ready to Make the Move?
Talk to a Specialist Who Knows the Market
Our consultants work directly with the leading Independent firms offering self-employed propositions across the UK. We’ll introduce you to the right firms, explain your options, and help you make the transition with confidence.
Get to know the specialist consultants who can help you make the move.
Meet the Team →
jobs@ortuspsr.co.uk | 0333 011 2822