IFP-CISI merger: A force to be reckoned with?

News the IFP is close to a merger with the CISI took many by surprise when it was announced on 7 August, including many of the professional body's members (only a handful of those not on the board were aware of the proposals, Professional Adviser has been told). Initial reaction was positive, certainly on social media, but any notion that the IFP's consultation will be straightforward was quashed by the publication of a Q&A on the merger, which raised questions related to the CISI's Chartered Wealth Manager designation as well as to possible changes to advisers' CPD requirements. Howe...