CISI level 4 Financial Planning & Advice exam gains FCA approval

Confirms exam meets needs of those advising on FCA activities 4 and 6

clock • 1 min read

The level 4 Financial Planning & Advice exam run by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) has received approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The new qualification, which evidences core knowledge in financial protection, pensions, retirement and financial planning for those advising on retail investment products, will sit within the CISI's level 4 Investment Advice Diploma (IAD) and will also become the first unit of the CISI Certificate in Paraplanning. FCA approval confirms the exam meets the needs of those advising on retail investment products and friendly society tax-exempt policies - that is, FCA activities 4 and 6 - when taken as part of the IAD. Welcoming the news, CISI chief executive Simon Culhane (pictured) said:...

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

Social media investment advice leaves investors out of pocket - research

Social media investment advice leaves investors out of pocket - research

Over half who acted on social media financial advice regretted it

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 August 2026 • 3 min read
New sexual harassment duty: Can adviser firms show they've taken 'all reasonable steps'?

New sexual harassment duty: Can adviser firms show they've taken 'all reasonable steps'?

'Employers will be expected to take all reasonable steps'

Emily Bradshaw
clock 19 August 2026 • 4 min read
FCA: Top ten wealth management firms hold nearly 90% of all UK clients

FCA: Top ten wealth management firms hold nearly 90% of all UK clients

FCA Wealth Management Survey

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 18 August 2026 • 3 min read