Mel Latham, Chartered and Certified Financial Planner at Financial Advice Centre, has been named Young Financial Planner of the Year 2026 for the East & West Midlands. He received the award at the Money Marketing Young Financial Planner Awards, held in Central London.
The awards celebrate the brightest emerging talent in UK financial planning. They come at an important time for the profession, as many experienced advisers approach retirement and the industry looks to the next generation. Winning the regional title places Mel among the most highly regarded young planners in the country.
At just 28, Mel has also achieved the highest grade in both the CISI Level 6 and Level 7 qualifications in Advanced Financial Planning, and was named CII Shropshire & Mid-Wales Younger Achiever of the Year 2026.
“It’s a real honour to be recognised alongside so many talented young planners” says Mel. “But exam results and awards are only the starting point. What matters most is helping clients feel confident about their future.”
That focus shows in his results. This year, Mel has welcomed 36 new clients, every one through personal recommendation. Several have discovered they could retire sooner than they ever expected.
Mel also shares responsibility for a team of four within the firm, has introduced AI tools that free colleagues for more meaningful work, and mentors aspiring planners across the UK.”
