Alps F S Ltd

The Diploma enhances knowledge in core areas such as regulation, investment principles, risk, taxation and personal financial planning using real-life scenarios to develop the essential skills to apply this technical knowledge in practice

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the different types of equity release products, risks to the consumer associated with equity release and application of suitable equity release solutions according to the circumstances of different customers.

The Diploma enhances knowledge in core areas such as regulation, investment principles, risk, taxation and personal financial planning using real-life scenarios to develop the essential skills to apply this technical knowledge in practice

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, mortgage products, repayment options and the giving of mortgage advice.

To achieve the Fellowship grade, individuals would be required to have 10 AFPC (Diploma) units or equivalent. This shows a commitment to continuous professional development.

This qualification is a specialist qualification which demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of Financial Markets, Portfolio Construction Theory and Applied Wealth Management.

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to personal tax and trusts.

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to personal and corporate pensions.

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to investments and the management of investment portfolios.

This examination assesses the candidate to develop an understanding of the financial planning process when giving advice to clients.

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to apply and evaluate the supervision principles and practices in a retail financial services business

In order to have completed this qualification, individuals were required to obtain three units. These could have been selected from any combination of the available units at that time but must have included the compulsory G10 unit - Taxation and Trusts.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, mortgage products, repayment options and the giving of mortgage advice.

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, lifetime mortgage products, repayment options and the giving of mortgage advice.

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.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the Government’s simplified pension taxation regime which came into full effect on 6 April 2006 (A-Day). Eight tax regimes for pensions were reduced to one, radically affecting planning and transactions.

Having achieved the APFS designation, advisers can go onto to achieve this recognisable benchmark of quality and ethical practice for financial services professionals, elevating financial planning and advice in the public eye to the same standing as other Chartered professions. The holder must demonstrate a combination of experience, financial qualifications, ongoing educational activity (continuous professional development) and ethical behaviour.

This examination enhanced general pension knowledge, particularly in pension transfers and opt-out business.

This examination assessed specialist supervisory knowledge and skills in the regulatory environment.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the legislative and regulatory position of home reversion plans and their place in the advice process.

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: the basic structure of the tax system and self-assessment; the main taxes on income and capital that may be charged on individuals, the self-assessment system and how tax liabilities are computed; impact of residence and domicile on an individuals liability to UK tax.

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.

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.

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: how the economic environment and individual company performance affects investment performance and investment decision making; how risk is measured and managed; the main principles governing how to construct an investment portfolio; the range of investment management services, how their performance is evaluated and their regulatory environment.

At the end of this unit candidates should be able to analyse and apply financial information and portfolio management skills

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

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of an ability to analyse financial protection planning issues.

This qualification helps advisers develop and demonstrate their financial planning capabilities. 

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the mortgage process and the principles of equity release.

To achieve the CertPFS (DM) and individual needs to pass 2 diploma units in Regulation and ethics and Discretionary Investment Management

FCSI membership is full membership of the CISI, and denotes an outstanding commitment to achieving the highest levels of knowledge, skills and behaviour. It is awarded to those with a suitable combination of qualifications and experience.

This examination assessed the knowledge and understanding of economic factors that affect risk from different investments, product features and regulatory framework of retail investments, taxation liabilities and portfolio planning.

This postgraduate finance qualification covers the areas of securities, investment, compliance, derivatives, corporate finance and operations. It provides flexibility and choice, enabling candidates to concentrate on areas relevant to their chosen career path

MCSI membership is full membership of the CISI, and denotes a high level of achievement and competence. It is awarded to those with a suitable combination of qualifications and experience

This qualification assesses a broad understanding of the principles of private client investment within the context of the current regulatory environment