Over the next three years the pressure is on again for all investment advisers to enhance their professional qualifications. The FSA is determined to improve professional standards just as regulators in the wake of the 1991 McDonald report on Training & Competence required advisers for the first time to pass external examinations (FPC & equivalent) and achieve assessed levels of competence and skill. The new base level proposed by the regulator is QCA Level 4 and higher levels for certain specialists. For the majority of currently practicing advisers this will mean, at the very least, serious work to enhance their current qualifications.

Although still a proposal by the regulator, industry leaders are convinced that improving qualifications will become a requirement as it has a direct effect on adviser performance and an immediate impact on consumer perceptions regarding professionalism. There are many things to consider when choosing a training partner to work with throughout this transitional time, but in our experience there are four things that are key to effective delivery:

• The time and resource impact on your business.
• The first time pass rate.
• The cost.
• That the learning is embedded to ensure subsequent improvements in customer experience.

At Verridian we have the experience & expertise to design & deliver training packages to suit your individual needs as a business, including face to face & elearning solutions for both CII & IFS examination bodies. Please follow this link to view / book our current face to face courses and support material

For further information or to arrange an initial meeting, please contact Rob Brine, Training and Development Director on 07775 594020 or email rob.brine@verridian.co.uk