Meet the team

About Us

Yvonne McLellan

Junior Paraplanner

As a Junior Paraplanner at Root, Yvonne McLellan brings rich experience in retail banking and customer service to the team, combined with a strong background in bookkeeping and developmental coaching.

In her role, she provides dedicated support through meticulous research, analysis, and report preparation, helping the team deliver clear, compliant, and client-focused financial planning solutions.

Driven by a commitment to professional excellence, Yvonne is actively progressing toward becoming diploma-qualified. Her exceptional communication skills and sharp attention to detail make her a vital asset to our team and the clients we serve.

Designations

Certificate in Mortgage Advice

Qualifications

R01 – Financial Services and Ethics (CII)

R02 – Investment Principles and Risk (CII)

R05 – Financial Protection (CII)

CF6 – Mortgage Advice (CII)

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Stuart Stanford

APFS, IMC, CertCII (MP), CertPFS (DM)
Founder and Chartered Paraplanner

After identifying a demand for a more accessible approach to outsourced paraplanning, Root was established by its founder, Stuart Stanford. With more than 10 years’ experience working for a handful of IFAs, from small firms to nationwide companies: During this time, he occupied positions in operations management, business development and most recently paraplanning.

As a paraplanner, Stuart’s sole focus has been refining his technical skills, using them to produce comprehensive and meaningful reports. Stuart has gained experience with a wide range of provider platforms and planning systems, in addition to building a network of technical experts.

Designations

Chartered Financial Planner

Advanced Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning

Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management

Certificate in Mortgage Advice

Member of the CFA (UK) Institute

Qualifications

R01 – Financial Services and Ethics (CII)

R02 – Investment Principles and Risk (CII)

R03 – Personal Taxation (CII)

R04 – Pensions and Retirement Planning (CII)

R05 – Financial Protection (CII)

R06 – Financial Planning Practice (CII)

J10 – Discretionary Investment Management (CII)

J12 – Securities Advice and Dealing (CII)

CF6 – Mortgage Advice (CII)

LP1 – Life and Pensions Customer Operations (CII)

LP3 – Life and Pensions Principles and Practice (CII)

AF1 – Personal Tax and Trust Planning (CII)

AF4 – Investment Planning (CII)

AF8 – Retirement income planning (CII)

AF5 – Financial planning process (CII)

Investment Management Certificate – Unit 1 (CFA)

Investment Management Certificate – Unit 2 (CFA)