Adviser ends passporting interest over agency fears

Alan Lakey, partner at Highclere Financial Services, last year likened revising for further examinations after decades in the industry to doing community service. He said he considered applying to be regulated outside the UK but, after discussions with peers, feared providers would refuse to set up agencies with his business. He has now decided to take the diploma in investment planning with qualification provider BPP which, if passed, would allow him to meet the FSA's new QCF Level 4 minimum qualification requirement. "If I thought I could get all the agencies I currently have wit...