PFS

A new RDR-compliant diploma which allows advisers to learn within 24 hours if they have passed or failed certain modules is being launched by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

Advisers must "wake up" and address changes being brought in by the RDR, as last week's paper represents the FSA's "point of no return", says the Personal Finance Society (PFS).

An austerity Budget full of tax hikes coupled with "dumbed down" pension provision will put the services of professional financial planners in high demand, says the president of the Personal Finance Society (PFS).

The Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) has approved the final QCF Level 4 standards with new guidelines for giving specialist advice.

The Retail Distribution Review has set the clock ticking for those giving regulated advice and sales guidance on retail products, says Matt Smith

Hector Sants' departure as chief executive of the FSA will have no bearing on the RDR, despite it coming just two years before the 2012 implementation deadline, the Personal Finance Society (PFS) says.

Advisers are being warned ‘alternative' assessment methods proposed by the FSA as a different route to QCF level four will be just as rigorous as written exams.

Mark Benson, technical manager at WAY Investment Services, says there are various ways IFAs can prepare for the increase in the minimum qualification level proposed in the RDR...

Charities should be wary of offering free ‘financial advice' and will writing services to people in exchange for legacy donations, says the PFS.

Enforcement of the broadened definition of independent adviser status laid out in the RDR is likely to be "very difficult", says Tenet's distribution and development director Keith Richards.