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Online searches for 'retail distribution review qualifications' jump by 124% since January 2010

Online searches for ‘retail distribution review qualifications’ jump by 124% since January 2010

The volume of online searches for ‘retail distribution review qualifications’ has increased by 124%* since the start of 2010, according to research from unbiased.co.uk, the professional advice website.  With the RDR coming ever closer this suggests that more and more advisers are undertaking timely research into their options for up-skilling in order to be RDR ready. 

Online searches for the specific term ‘RDR qualifications’ on Google has jumped by 129% so far this year and searches for the term ‘retail distribution review qualifications’ has jumped by 83%, in the same time. 

An increased drive to upskill ahead of the 2012 deadline is seen not just online but also on the unbiased.co.uk database, where there has been a 7%** increase since January 2010 in the number of QCF level 4 or above qualifications, designations or papers held by individual member IFAs.  The number of IFA branches which hold QCF level 4 or above qualifications, designations or papers has also increased by 7% since the start of the year. 

Of the over 15,000 registered IFAs on the unbiased.co.uk database, now almost a third already hold at least one QCF level 4 or above qualification, designation or paper.  A further 38% already hold at least one QCF level 3 qualification, designation or paper in addition to current benchmark FPC 1/2/3 (Cert FP), meaning they are well on their way to becoming RDR ready before 2012. 

Karen Barrett, Chief Executive of unbiased.co.uk comments, “It is good news to see that the adviser community are researching online in order to be prepared ahead of the RDR deadline.  But many are doing more than just researching, as our database shows that an increased number of advisers are already sitting and passing their exams.  We have seen a 7% uplift in the volume of QCF 4 level qualifications registered by IFAs on our ‘find an IFA’ search which bodes well for consumer access to independent advice in the future.” 

ENDS

*Number of Google searches on the keywords ‘RDR qualifications’ and ‘retail distribution review qualifications’ taking place in July 2010 = 340

Number of Google searches on the keywords ‘RDR qualifications’ and ‘retail distribution review qualifications’ taking place in January 2010 = 152

Percentage increase = (340-152) /152 *100 = 123.6%

**Taken from unbiased.co.uk internal data on 31.08.2010

Karen Barrett, Chief Executive, unbiased.co.uk: 020 7833 3131

Anna Schirmer/Anna Moulds/Ellie Brooke, Lansons Communications: 020 7294 3682

For expert commentary or case studies from over 150 media-friendly IFAs, journalists should visit www.unbiased.co.uk/bluebook.

About unbiased.co.uk, the professional advice website

The unbiased.co.uk portal is a free and confidential UK-wide search matching consumers with local professional advisers: ‘find an IFA’, ‘find a mortgage adviser’, and ‘find a solicitor’, and is currently inviting registrations for its ‘find an accountant’ service.  These searches enable consumers to find professional advisers by postcode, area of specialism, qualification and payment method. In 2009, unbiased.co.uk fulfilled half a million searches for local, professional advice. 

IFA Promotion, the organisation behind unbiased.co.uk, is now in its 21st year, and was set up to promote the benefits of independent financial advice to consumers.  IFAP is sponsored by the following companies:

Registered Office: unbiased.co.uk is the consumer brand of IFA Promotion Ltd, 90 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5UB. Registered in Scotland: No. 114606