Citywire printed articles sponsored by:

View the article online at http://citywire.co.uk/new-model-adviser/article/a650715

CII launches securities qualification

by Rachael Revesz on Jan 14, 2013 at 13:05

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has launched a new exam in securities advice and dealing at level four.

It contains four units consisting of existing CII modules in regulation and ethics (R01); investment principles and risk (R02); personal taxation (R03) and a new unit securities advice and dealing module (J12).

Study material for the new unit will be available from May this year, with the first exam sitting scheduled for September.

Personal Finance Society chief executive Fay Goddard (pictured) said a broader knowledge was ‘essential’ for advisers.

‘The need for greater knowledge, expertise and higher professional standards in the area of securities advice and dealing has never been greater, driven not least by regulatory change and the desire to better serve consumers,’ she said.

Goddard added: ‘We are therefore really pleased to be launching the new certificate in securities advice and dealing and believe this will provide the information and robust study framework necessary for individuals advising in this area, which will in turn help result in better quality advice for the public they serve.’

Email a friend

7 comments so far. Why not have your say?

I was looking at this in my CII study guide, but wasn't sure whether it would be a good supplement to my "Core" R01-6 or just repeating old ground. It makes it sound here as though it isn't all that relevant to the Diploma.

report this

Another money making machine...lets face it with RDR now coming to a virtual end they must have something new to keep these people going...no new exams no jobs for them...dont get me wrong i think knowledge and study is great, but its getting silly now... well not just now but for the last few years...we will not have any IFAs in the next 10/15, i dont see new blood coming in the industry, many IFAs are late 40s 50s so just wonder what will happen once we all retire ??? May be banks will take over the world???...God Help us....

report this

I tend to agree Chris, but it's particularly good for those who would like to get more into securities and dealing as opposed to just straight holistic financial planning. Many will already have the other 3 modules.

report this

Also, looking into this further. Each module is a Diploma-level module. Could the qualification not be considered a Diploma in Securities and Dealing? Another certificate level designation sounds a bit naff...

report this

Qualifications are great but how far does one go???I know this is aimed at individuals in Securities but i feel Its just another way of these bodies making money and keeping their jobs...

Bearing in mind that most of us in the Financial Services Industry go to training, seminars, and tested on a regular basis....how far and how much does one do? When do you actually get the time to service your clients??

report this

It's not a compulsory unit, its a top up... and by all accounts its much easier to obtain than the IMC + CFA Level 1, or a CISI Diploma.

In my experience, if you feel you know the stuff well enough to service your clients, you should have no problem passing a 2 hour exam that sits whenever you like...

I like this option. I have been studying for unit 2 of the IMC and will still take the exam, but I think this is a good option for those who already hold the regulated diploma and want to offer more services to clients, without having to completely retain.

report this

Chris Challouma

Jan 16, 2013 at 09:42

George, I do agree with you, and its not compulsory at the moment, but its just frustrating, as you say if you know the stuff well enough why more and more exams ??

But I suppose one has to go with the flow.... still doesn't make it right...such as life...

report this

Please sign in here or register here to comment. It is free to register and only takes a minute or two.