RDR chief says qualifications not 'sole' concern

clock •

The FSA is seeking to find the right balance between adviser qualifications and on the job experience to improve professionalism, RDR head Amanda Bowe says.

Speaking at the Financial Services Distribution Summit today, Bowe tackled some of the misconceptions surrounding the July discussion paper. On the subject of professionalism, she says the regulator is not solely concerned about examinations. “We are interested in a range of things that constitute professionalism including ethics, competence, experience, and so on,” Bowe says. “Identifying how best to achieve this balance is one area where the industry could usefully take the lead.” Another contentious area Bowe discussed was regarding the term ‘independence’. “Some IFAs we have s...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Advisers urged to remain 'alert' as LPA financial misconduct complaints rise

Advisers urged to remain 'alert' as LPA financial misconduct complaints rise

Alleged LPA financial misconduct complaints rose to almost 12,000

Sophia Panayi
clock 12 October 2026 • 3 min read
News editor's view: Taxing questions for advisers

News editor's view: Taxing questions for advisers

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 9 October

Isabel Baxter
clock 09 October 2026 • 2 min read
Why the new chancellor must rebalance growth and consumer protection

Why the new chancellor must rebalance growth and consumer protection

'Healy should re-empower the FCA to unleash the full potential of Consumer Duty'

James Daley
clock 09 October 2026 • 3 min read