Paul Etheridge, founder and chairman of Prestwood Software, has died at the age of 83.
He set up the cashflow modelling software provider in 1985 and was a pioneer of lifelong cashflow modelling in the UK, so much so that he was dubbed the ‘godfather of financial planning’.
He also founded the Institute of Financial Planning, now part of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). Etheridge also received several lifetime achievement awards, including a CISI honorary fellowship in 2017.
Prestwood Software turned to social media to honour its founder, saying: “Our hearts are breaking at the sad news that our founder, Paul Etheridge, passed this weekend. The ‘Godfather’ of financial planning in the UK, his contribution cannot be underestimated. Rest in Peace, Paul.”
The CISI also paid its respects to one of the most prominent figures in the UK financial planning sector.
The professional body added: “We at the CISI are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Etheridge, the master of financial planning, his loss will be felt across the profession. He has been instrumental not only to the growth of financial planning in the UK, but the development of financial planning as a profession, how we listen and engage with clients to help them achieve their goals.
“Our condolences to his family and friends now, and to the planning community at large.”
