Change within the Financial Services Industry
The Government and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) are currently in the process of driving forward some key changes within retail financial services - known as the Retail Distribution Review (RDR). Although yet to be finalised, one of the core issues is to raise professional standards within the industry across the board.
The new likely benchmark for advisers will be to hold a relevant level 4 qualification possibly within the next 5 years (yet to be confirmed) combined with the need to be a member of a professional body such as the Personal Finance Society(PFS) / Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).
The good news is that the designation Dip PFS establishes that an adviser is already meeting this standard. Robert at Bentley Brear Limited already meets this new requirement, well in advance of any formal announcement by the FSA or Government.
Qualifications & Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- BSc (Hons) Degree
- Financial Planning Certificate (FPC)
- G10 Taxation & Trusts (Advanced qualification)
- G60 Pensions (Advanced qualification)
- CF9 - Pension Simplification(Latest changes to pension rules from April 6th 2006)
Robert is regularly assessed through online tests, by Sesame Limited, to ensure his knowledge remains current and up-to-date.
He maintains a CPD log of achievements and training and regularly attends relevant financial services seminars and conferences.