CIRP design, review and governance support for UK adviser firms​

​Elston provides centralised investment management support to UK financial advisers, helping firms design, review and govern a proposition that meets FCA expectations and Consumer Duty obligations. ​Unlike investment-only solutions, we cover both accumulation and retirement in a single Centralised Investment and Retirement Proposition (CIRP), addressing the sequencing and longevity risks that retirement clients face and giving the FCA clear evidence of a consistent, well-governed approach under Consumer Duty.

What we can do

We have experience developing Centralised Investment & Retirement Propositions (CIRP) for UK Financial Advisers.
We review your proposition against regulatory guidance, industry best practice, and provider options, to help develop a CIRP that is unique to your firm's target market.
Our toolbox means we can scope out and work with you all you need to offer the CIRP you want for your clients - model portfolios, multi-asset funds, guaranteed income, blended solutions and purpose-built retirement strategies.  We can also structure a relevant CPD training programme for your advisers.

How we can help

1: initial consultation to understand your needs and requirements
2: review your existing or planned CIRP documentation
3: work together to define, design and document your CIRP

​How to get started

To book an initial free-of-charge consultation (subject to eligibility criteria) to understand your requirements, please complete the Enquiry form below

Relevant CPD

We have a wealth of materials relating to CIRPs, product governance and retirement investing.  You can useful links below.
PFS-accredited CPD Articles for FT Adviser (30mins CPD each)
1. How to help clients invest for accumulation and decumulation
2. Building a decumulation strategy for clients
3. Getting the withdrawal profile right for clients in decumulation
4. What the FCA's rules on investment pathways mean for clients
​5. How to engage with clients on a retirement pathway
CISI-accredited CPD Webinars (1h CPD each, 1.5h with test)
CIRPs & Product Governance
1. Product Governance for Financial Advisers
2. Whitelabel platforms & insourced CIRPs
Retirement investing
1. Retirement Investing 
2. Retirement Pathways: a new standard
3. Retirement Pathways: a governance perspective

What is a CIRP?

A Centralised Investment and Retirement Proposition (CIRP) is a documented, firm-wide framework that sets out how an adviser firm selects, manages and reviews investment solutions for clients in both the accumulation and decumulation phases. It brings consistency to advice across the firm and gives the FCA clear evidence of a structured, repeatable approach.

What is the difference between a CIP and a CRP?

Centralised Investment Proposition (CIP) covers how a firm invests for clients building wealth, while a Centralised Retirement Proposition (CRP) covers how it invests for clients drawing an income in retirement. A CIRP combines both into a single framework, recognising that retirement clients face different risks such as sequencing risk and the need for sustainable withdrawals.

Is a CIRP a regulatory requirement?

The FCA does not mandate a CIRP by name, but it expects firms to demonstrate a consistent, well-governed and suitable approach to investment advice. A documented CIRP is the most practical way to evidence this, particularly under Consumer Duty, and the absence of one is a common finding in FCA reviews.

How does Consumer Duty affect my CIRP?

Consumer Duty raises the bar on demonstrating good client outcomes, fair value and suitability across your whole client base. Your CIRP is the central document that evidences this, showing how solutions are chosen, why they fit your target market and how outcomes are monitored over time. Elston helps firms review and strengthen their CIRP so it stands up to Consumer Duty scrutiny.

Why do I need a separate retirement proposition?

Clients in decumulation face risks that do not apply during accumulation, including sequencing risk, longevity risk and the impact of withdrawals in falling markets. A dedicated retirement proposition ensures these are addressed deliberately rather than applying an accumulation strategy to clients who are drawing income.

What does Elston's CIRP support involve?

Elston reviews your existing or planned proposition against regulatory guidance, industry best practice and the full range of provider options. We work with you to define, design and document a CIRP built around your firm's target market, drawing on model portfolios, multi-asset funds, guaranteed income and blended retirement solutions. We can also structure an accredited CPD programme to bring your advisers up to speed.

How do I get started with a CIRP review?

You can book a free consultation, subject to eligibility, by completing the enquiry form on this page. The process begins with understanding your needs, followed by a review of your current documentation, then working together to define and document your proposition.