Seeking financial advice can be a daunting business; money is of crucial importance to everyone and finding a financial planner you trust to act in your best interests and provide unbiased advice is a big challenge. That’s why the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) introduced the ‘Chartered Financial Planner’ qualification in 2006. Where you see their symbol, you know your financial advice will be independent, professional, and regulated by the FSA’s strict guidelines.
To receive ‘Chartered’ status, individual financial planners undertake years of in-depth study to achieve the CII’s Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, one of the highest level exams a Financial Planner can take. The qualification is designed to test knowledge, ability and ethical conduct in all areas of practice. As well as gaining this qualification, Chartered Financial Planners must also have five years of relevant industry experience, and three years of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
CPD consists of industry-specific training and must be undertaken for as long as a Chartered Financial Planner wishes to practice, ensuring their skills and knowledge are constantly honed and kept up to date, to ensure their advice is always in line with best practice.
Finally, Chartered Financial Planners also must adhere to the Chartered Insurance Institute’s (CII’s) Code of Ethics and Conduct and hold valid membership of the Personal Finance Society – no mean feat in itself!