RDR deadline splits advisers

18 March 2010 8:00 am | By Nicole Blackmore

Advisers remain split over whether the 2012 deadline for QCF level four qualifications is achievable, according to member research commissioned by the Chartered Insurance Institute.

The survey of 1,367 advisers, conducted by Ernst & Young, shows only 52 per cent say the timeline is workable, 24 per cent say it is unlikely to be achieved, 20 per cent say it is very testing and 4 per cent have no view.

Sixty-five per cent of advisers agree or strongly agree that a better qualified adviser delivers higher-quality advice to clients, with 32 per cent disagreeing with that statement and 3 per cent having no view.

The Financial Services Skills Council is due to publish the final QCF level four standard at the end of this month, which will allow examination bodies to develop their RDR-compliant qualifications.

Facts & Figures Financial Planners managing director Simon Webster says: “I think QCF level four is a sensible benchmark qualification and I believe the timeline is do-able. People will need to dedicate a day a week for three to six months to studying, which is a significant investment in their future and I think it will sort the men from the boys.”

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