Who we are 


In ACCORD helps the financial services sector deliver future-fit, client-centred advice by strengthening how firms understand and document client preferences, objectives and suitability. 


We provide the tools, training, and strategic support to help advisers make structured conversations a normal, confident, and consistent part of every day advice. 


In ACCORD is the trading name of ESG Accord Ltd. 


What we do


We support advisers, DFMs, networks, platforms, product providers and manufacturers, and educators through four connected areas of work: 

 

• Accord Consulting. Practical and strategic support for advice firms, DFMs and fund groups 

• Accord Initiative. Partnered by the industry, free, open-access tools and templates for the advice community 

• Accord Academy. CPD-accredited courses for the modern advice landscape

• Accord Talks. Industry conversations and thought leadership


Our focus


Clear, neutral, structured conversations and narratives that strengthen suitability, reduce risk, and support Consumer Duty and SDR expectations. 


We help firms and partners embed approaches that work across all pathways - conventional, sustainable and values-based - without complexity or ideology. 


All four areas of work contribute to the In ACCORD Client Preference Programme, supporting consistent, structured adviser conversations across the sector. 


Visit the In Accord website here

💻 Follow In Accord on Linkedin


Our role in the industry 


We work - and engage directly - with regulators, trade bodies, professional institutes and industry partners across the full financial ecosystem.


Our recent work includes 


• Representation on the FCA Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee

• Member of the FCA Disclosures and Labels Advisory Group 

• Collaboration with industry bodies and compliance associations 

• Industry events and webinars 

• Delivery of training and education at a national scale

• Joint research and thought leadership 

• Advising on evolving suitability and preference expectations 


Through the Client Preference Programme, we are supporting a sector-wide shift towards consistent, structured preference and objective conversations. 


Who we support 


Industry-wide throughout the distribution chain: advisers and advice firms, networks, DFMs, platforms, providers, fund groups, education organisations, paraplanners, compliance professionals, industry bodies, fintechs and tools providers. 


The team behind In Accord 


Elly Dowding | Director | Technical Compliance & Regulatory Specialist:

✉️ elly@inaccord.co.uk

💻 Connect with Elly on LinkedIn



• Member of the FCA Sustainable Finance Advisory Committee to the board 

• CFA Certificates in Climate & Investing, ESG Investing and Impact Investing 

• Winner - Woman of the Year - ESG Award 2022

• Highly Commended - Woman of the year - Adviser Support Services 2024

• Independent Compliance Consultant - Defined Benefit, S.166

• Key Accounts City BDM & Sales Manager


Lee Coates OBE | Director | Industry Insight | Advice Process Specialist

✉️ lee@inaccord.co.uk

💻 Connect with Lee on LinkedIn



• Winner - Outstanding Contribution to the Sustainable Investment Industry 2025  

• Member of the FCA's industry led working group - Advisers' Sustainability Group 

• Awarded OBE for 'services to ethical business and finance'

• Co-founder and financial adviser Ethical Investors - 31 years

• Cp-founder Ethical Screening 

• Launched Australia's first vegan superannuation fund


Celebrating our 5th Anniversary in 2025 



Accord Initiative Advisory Group 


It is essential for In Accord to walk the talk when it comes to the ‘G’ in governance.  So, we reached out to the industry and are delighted to confirm that the Accord Initiative benefits from an independent Advisory Group. 


This group, from many different areas of financial services, all have a deep interest in and commitment to good client outcomes and sustainability, and we are so grateful to be able to draw on this wealth of experience and knowledge to drive the Accord Initiative forward.   


Advisory Group members:

  • Madison Reamsbottom, Head of Membership at UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF)
  • Frank Potaczek, Investment Professional, Business Leader, Proposition & Product Lead, Client Journey Expert, Buy-side & Sell-side
  • Maja Erceg, Senior Policy Adviser – EU and Government Affairs, PIMFA
  • Richard Cooper, Business Development Manager, Business Specialist – Financial Services, Professional Education London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF)
  • Alan Whittle MSc FPFS, Postgraduate Researcher and Training, Compliance and Investment Technical Specialist

💬 Madison Reamsbottom, Head of Membership at the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF): "The Financial Advisor community plays a pivotal role in the education and support of retail investors. The Accord Initiative is a toolkit for advisors to streamline their sustainability processes and compliance requirements. The Initiative also provides access to numerous resources and illustrative real-world examples. This suite of information and tools bridges a gap which the market has been keen to fill."


💬 Alan Whittle MSc FPFS, Postgraduate Researcher and Training, Compliance and Investment Technical Specialist: "I am passionate about developing the financial planning profession's approach to sustainable and ethical finance.  Being part of the Advisory Board of the Accord Initiative gives me a chance to contribute to the vital debate around how to better integrate this within firms' advisory processes. The Accord Initiative has brought together knowledge and experience across Investment Management, Financial Advice and Regulatory Compliance to try and create a more joined-up approach.  It recognises that not everyone has the knowledge and experience to develop appropriate frameworks for the provision of effective sustainable financial advice."


💬 Frank Potaczek, Investment Professional, Business Leader, Proposition & Product Lead, Client Journey Expert, Buy-side & Sell-side: "Financial advisors and wealth managers are trusted by their clients to help them make informed choices about sustainable investing and signing up for non-financial returns from their investments. I’m delighted to be able to do my bit in helping make that happen."


💬 Richard Cooper, Business Development Manager, Business Specialist – Financial Services, Professional Education London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF):  "I am pleased to be involved and to be able to support the Advisory Group, ESG and sustainable investing will play an increasingly important role in the adviser landscape. Helping to inform advisers of the regulatory implications and understanding how to engage with clients. Having well informed free resources and tools to help inform and educate clients will be vital to ensure advisers are able to demonstrate their competency."