Should IFAs be forced back to the classroom?

clock

For the vast majority of IFAs who have been offering sound advice to clients for years, the news from the RDR that a higher standard of adviser qualifications and professionalism is needed will have come as a shock.

The Professionalism Working Group, whose findings were published as part of the review, says the appropriate examination minimum may be Certified Financial Planner for primary level advisers. For those considered professional financial planners, the PWG expects the minimum accreditation to be the equivalent of of the Chartered Insurance Institute's 'Chartered Financial Planner' or the Institute of Financial Planning's 'Certified Financial Planner." Advisers who lack the necessary qualifications would need to undertake further study to fulfill their target role. At IFAonline, we receive...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

What a classic '80s movie tells us about today's language of financial advice

What a classic '80s movie tells us about today's language of financial advice

'Forty years is a long time in film. Even more so in financial services'

Roger Brosch
clock 27 January 2026 • 4 min read
Deal Dive: Advice firm deals 2025 wrapped

Deal Dive: Advice firm deals 2025 wrapped

Deals announced in Q4 before the year ended

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 January 2026 • 2 min read
Ahmed Bawa: The changes advisers are asking for in 2026

Ahmed Bawa: The changes advisers are asking for in 2026

Functionality, not workarounds

Ahmed Bawa
clock 27 January 2026 • 4 min read