RDR qualifications debate hots up

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The debate over the new level of qualifications for advisers post-RDR reached new heights this week as intermediaries voiced their concern and anger about its proposals.

Advisers were particularly vocal at an open forum on the RDR at the Sesame Symposium, criticising the 2012 deadline for reaching the minimum QCA Level 4 standard and slamming the FSA for not considering grandfathering. One adviser said he was concerned there are many advisers who are good at their jobs but would not be able to pass the exams. "There seems to be no compromise to save these people, it just seems that if you don't pass you're out," he said. Other advisers argued qualifications were not the answer going forward, with one saying: "No exam can teach you to get a client to ope...

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