AIFA open letter sparks fresh qualifications row

The letter, penned by Smart Financial Planning managing director Steven Martin, said the trade association should be ashamed - not proud - of its part in reducing the minimum adviser qualification level. "I find it shocking and disappointing that AIFA continues to seek ways for GCSE level advisers to circumvent the drive to professionalism," the letter reads. Last year AIFA director general Chris Cummings said the minimum requirement for UK advisers would have stood at QCF Level 6 were it not for AIFA's intervention. Current RDR proposals, set to be finalised next month, will se...