Currently, this is one of the questions we are most often asked.
The trouble is, there are different sources of opinion. At the end of the day, we believe that it is the regulator’s opinion that counts and this is what the FCA say:
- Structured CPD is an activity that uses material or activities that are designed to achieve a particular learning outcome.
- As with unstructured CPD, it is capable of being independently verified.
- Structured learning activities include: participating in seminars (web based or in person); lectures; conferences; workshops; courses; and completing appropriate e-learning.
- For a minority of activity, it might also include structured, educational reading, where quality reading material has been produced to meet the required learning outcome.
- The activity should require a contribution of thirty minutes or more of the adviser’s time.
- It does not include carrying out research on products and services for your client.
Read more here.
Pension Transfer charging
Alistair MacDougall Compliance abridged, FCA, P1, Pension, Pension Transfer, PI, transfer
Policy Statement PS 20-06 stated that a firm providing pension transfer advice “… may also not charge less than it would charge for investment advice of the same value”. That seems clear enough, but the rule that gives effect to this statement is subtly different. COBS 19.1B.7 states: “A firm should not charge less […]