qualifications

A row over the Chartered Insurance Institute's (CII) R01 study material has reignited after an aspiring financial adviser questioned its relevance.

Advisers must pass a one-day 'professional discussion' on four case studies and a technical interview to reach QCF Level 4 via the CII's alternative route, launched today.

RDR deniers need to "get their heads out of the sand" and get on with meeting the FSA's new professionalism and remuneration rules, IFP chief executive Nick Cann said today.

An increasing number of IFAs are reporting growth in their income, while more are also getting to grips with meeting the RDR's qualification requirements, a study suggests.

Steve Martin, managing director of Smart Financial Planning, reveals the steps he has taken to ready his business for the new regulatory environment.

IFAs face requirements to have knowledge of complex products post-RDR despite the lack of exams covering these areas, threesixty warns.

The FSA is considering awarding a university finance course Level 4 status after a student wrote to the regulator complaining it is predominantly ex-polytechnic courses meeting the minimum standard.

A sole practitioner has hit out at the CII's RO1 exam for its "irrelevant" subject matter and says its inadequate preparatory material leaves advisers "gambling" with their futures.

Some Barclays' advisers are delaying applications for clients as they attempt to poach business from the bank and set up their own IFA firms, an adviser claims.

The New Model Business Academy (NMBA) is offering members a structured programme to help them attain a Diploma in Professional Financial Advice, in partnership with e-assessment specialist Calibrand.