Sean Guirey

DipPFS (Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning)

This Level 4 Diploma meets the FCA’s qualification requirements for retail investment advisers, demonstrating core technical knowledge and financial planning capabilities across six core areas.

J04 (Pension Funding Options)

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the: main tax and legal frameworks that govern the accumulation phase of building up retirement benefits under registered pension schemes; features of defined contribution and defined benefit pensions; choices faced by early leavers and use of transfer value analysis; State retirement benefits available, including the risks and suitability of contracting out of the State Second Pension.

J05 (Pension Income Options)

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the: process of decumulating pension funds and the main issues for clients and advisers; main choices facing members of pensions schemes during decumulation; features, risks and tax treatment of the secured pension option; features, risks and tax treatment of the unsecured pension option; features, risks and tax treatment of phased retirement; features, risks and tax treatment of the alternatively secured pension option.

R01 (Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry, including regulation, legislation and the Code of Ethics.

R02 (Investment Principles)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of investment products and the application of the investment advice process.

R03 (Personal Taxation)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK taxation system, and the ability to analyse the taxation treatment of individuals and trusts during the investment advice process.

CF8 (Certificate in Financial Planning and Long-Term Care Insurance)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, long-term care insurance products and the giving of long-term care insurance advice.

FP1 (Financial Services and their Regulation)

Assessing an understanding of the financial services industry including regulation and legislation.

FP2 (Protection, Savings and Investment)

Assesses an understanding of protection, savings and investment products.

FP3 (Identifying and Satisfying Client Needs)

Assesses an understanding of conducting a fact-find, assessing the client’s needs, and recommending specific (appropriate) financial products to meet those needs.