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

An inclusive culture that starts at the top: LV=

An inclusive culture that starts at the top: LV=

LV= is headline sponsor of the Women in Financial Advice Awards 2025

LV=
clock 12 November 2025 • 3 min read
Autumn Budget 2025: Treasury rules out rumoured Budget pensions tax-free lump sum raid

Autumn Budget 2025: Treasury rules out rumoured Budget pensions tax-free lump sum raid

Was becoming a ‘great source of anxiety’ among savers

Professional Adviser
clock 12 November 2025 • 1 min read
Male-dominated image still deters women from financial planning

Male-dominated image still deters women from financial planning

Women’s Wealth Alliance report calls for CPD framework to close gender gap

Sahar Nazir
clock 11 November 2025 • 2 min read