Consumers 'want higher qualified IFAs'

clock

New statistics released today show 150,000 consumers a year demand IFA qualifications to be above those required by law.

Unbiased.co.uk research revealed while one in four consumers insist on advanced credentials, 75% say it is important for an IFA to be qualified to a higher level than FSA minimum requirements. The website launched a two tier ranking for IFAs last month, which applies to over 40 different incremental qualifications/designations currently available from eight different bodies. Unbiased.co.uk chief executive David Elms says he expects an increasing number of consumers to request a higher and more relevantly qualified IFA. “With the recent Retail Distribution Review from the FSA shining a...

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: Are you even taking your own advice?

Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Exploring the expenditure consolidation conversation

Nick Ryan
clock 25 March 2026 • 4 min read
CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

Number of UK CFP professionals continues to rise

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read
'Nobody is big enough not to be bought'

'Nobody is big enough not to be bought'

Roderic Rennison on the future of deals in the advice industry

Isabel Baxter
clock 20 March 2026 • 1 min read