All three of our advisers are CII chartered financial planners.

The following text is taken from the April 2006 edition of 'Financial Solutions' magazine. You can download a .pdf version of the article here.

Guidhall provides fitting backdrop to Chartered graduation ceremony

Over 200 financial advisers gathered at Guildhall, London, on 2 March 2005 for the first award ceremony for Chartered Financial Planners. Each was welcomed personally on stage and given their Award by Brian Steeples, President of the Personal Finance Society (and himself a recipient). They were then congratulated by Peter Hales, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute, and Stephen Bland, Director of the Small Firms Division of the Financial Services Authority.

Friends, relatives, and colleagues of the Award-holders joined industry figures at the ceremony. A reception was held in the Crypt to celebrate this landmark in the develepment of the financial advice profession.

The financial servies industry plays a vital public role. Those working within it therefore need to demonstrate clearly their knowledge, commitment and integrity. This is why Chartered status, earned under the auspices of the CII, is so important.

A CII Chartered title shows that an individual has gained and will maintain the highest level of professional achievement, equivalent to other Chartered professions. The Chartered Financial Planner title is awarded to members on applicaiton after the completion of a degee level suite of qualifications. Additionally, applicants are required to demonstrate that they have carried out continued professional development. They must have at least five years' experience in financial services and conform to the CII's Code of Ethics and Conduct. This means that members of the public will be able to call on their services with confidence when seeking help with individual financial planning needs.

A "route-map" to Chartered status will appear in May's Financial Solutions.

The introduction of Chartered Financial Planner and the creation of the Personal Finance Society, the largest professional body for financial advisers and financial planners in the UK, demonstrate the CII's commitment to raising standards and public confidence in the financial servies sector.