qualifications

AIFA plans to launch its own case-study based alternative assessment which will qualify advisers to QCF Level 5, a level above the new minimum for UK advisers set by the RDR.

Standards International and the ifs School of Finance are embarking on a joint venture to improve the skills and knowledge of financial advisers.

Advisers who bemoan the quality of new entrants to financial services could help fill the skills gaps by going into schools and talking up the industry, the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) says.

David Hewitt is managing director of Full Moon Analysis, a freelance paraplanning business.

Advisers waiting for 'alternative' assessments for obtaining QCF Level 4 could be hampering their chances of being qualified before the RDR deadline, Zurich UK Life's intermediary sales director Richard Howells says.

The Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) has approved the final QCF Level 4 standards with new guidelines for giving specialist advice.

The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) and Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) have confirmed the launch of the new health insurance examination.

Wayne Vernon is a paraplanner at The Private Office, an appointed representative of AWD Chase De Vere. He says, while others dreamed of being astronauts, he knew he wanted to work in financial advice…

The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) will hold pilot paraplanning examinations in the next month as the professional body prepares to roll out the country's first level four qualification for paraplanners.

MetLife is launching free online revision sessions for advisers taking exams on pension income.