The new qualification benchmark

New figures from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) show a big rise in the number of Chartered Financial Planners.

The number of Chartered Financial Planners rose by 25% last year, to 2,792 individuals who are now Chartered.

There are 362 firms of Chartered Financial Planners in the UK, rising from 306 at the end of 2010.

With the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) introducing a new minimum qualification standard for all financial advisers at the end of this year, it is little surprise to see so many advisers striving to reach this even higher standard.

Informed Choice became the 99th firm of Chartered Financial Planners in 2007, shortly after the corporate Chartered Financial Planners status became available.

As a firm of Chartered Financial Planners, we have satisfied rigorous criteria relating to professional qualifications and ethical good practice. You can be confident that you will be dealing with a leading firm wholly committed to providing the best possible advice, service and support.

Five our of nine Financial Planners hold the Chartered Financial Planner status as individuals, with the other four qualified to a level at or above the new minimum qualification requirement being introduced on 31st December.

We believe Chartered Financial Planner is an important differentiator, setting us apart from other IFA firms.

It shows that we take our professional status seriously and have demonstrated a higher level of technical competence than many of our peers.