Helpfully, at the beginning of every FSA paper, there is a small section outlining who should read it.

Clients will benefit from a prominently displayed practicing certificate, detailing their adviser's qualifications and commitment to professionalism, the Financial Services Consumer Panel (FSCP) says.

An £11,000 FSCS bill to help cover the costs of claims against failed investment businesses including Keydata has forced one IFA to increase his hourly rate.

Sesame Bankhall Group has all but ruled itself out of applying to become an accredited body under the FSA's new professionalism regime.

The FSA is being urged to "communicate in plainer English" after bagging the ‘Kick in the pants' trophy at an awards ceremony hosted by the Plain English Campaign (PEC).

Three firms have joined wealth manager and consolidator Succession Advisory Services, bringing with them funds under management totalling £175m.

The FSA has reiterated qualifications gap-fill should be structured CPD, but it says reading 'suitable material' is acceptable where it is not available for specific knowledge gaps.

The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) has confirmed it will apply to become an accredited body under the FSA's new professionalism regime, and hopes to start confirming advisers' status in early 2012.

Close Asset Management made a small loss in the five months to 31 December, due in part to the £17m acquisition of IFA Chartwell Group last year.

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) will apply to become an accredited body under the FSA's new professionalism regime.