The Quilter Financial Adviser School (QFAS) has launched a level 6 financial planning in retirement qualification unit, provided by the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF).
The unit will be added to its offering from February 2022, and applications to join the first cohort are now open.
The LIBF financial planning in retirement qualification will be available as both a fifth module of the current QFAS level 6 offering, and as a qualification in its own right with a separate designation for those who successfully complete the unit.
Quilter said it worked closely with the LIBF to develop the qualification, which offers an assessment process designed to equip students with the skills required in financial advice as a profession.
Students will be assessed in three ways including assessed forum contributions, a video presentation, and a timed assessment.
Quilter said this could make this unit better suited to students who prefer to be assessed outside of an exam hall.
Julian Hince, head of the Quilter Financial Adviser School, said: “We are proud to have worked closely with the LIBF to develop this unit, which complements and expands our current level 6 offering and ensures those who undertake the unit are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to provide effective retirement planning advice.
“The FPIR also demonstrates an evolution in the way such qualifications are assessed. Unlike those currently available, timed, invigilated exams are not a requirement of this unit. Instead, the qualification embraces a unique assessment process developed in response to the needs of financial advice as a profession, as well as the feedback of previous students."
The first cohort to undertake this unit will embark on a five-month structured study plan delivered by QFAS and will include support such as online study materials, weekly knowledge assessments, virtual catch ups and workshops, as well as access to a level 6 tutor.
The FPIR syllabus will focus on retirement planning and aims to develop knowledge not just on pension options, but also effective later life and Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning.
A total of 140 students have so far studied with QFAS towards a level 6 unit, 51 of which have achieved chartered status through the school.
John Somerville, head of financial services, professional education at LIBF said: “Later-life planning has become increasingly complex and older clients now need a much more sophisticated level of advice. We’re living longer, which is great news, but income in retirement has become more uncertain.
Somerville added: “This new qualification recognises that, and uses case studies and ‘real-life’ evidence to really bring these subjects to life. Advisers can also study this as part of an advanced Diploma, if they want to take their career to that next level.”
sonia.rach@ft.com
What do you think about the issues raised by this story? Email us on FTAletters@ft.com to let us kno
