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.



Abridged advice – how is it going so far?
Alistair MacDougall Compliance 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021, abridged, Drawdown, FCA, Pension, Pension Transfer, PI, transfer
Based on data and live visits to firms during the period from April 2015 to rule changes in 2018 and 2020, the FCA believed that far too high a proportion of clients were being recommended to transfer safeguarded benefits. This was predicated on the longstanding rule which stated: “… a firm should start by assuming […]