Macmillan Financial Planning Ltd

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of investment products and the application of the investment advice process.

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.

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: the main legal forms of business and how they are set up and managed; the consequences of bankruptcy or insolvency; business accounts and financial controls; the taxation of each type of business entity, its owners and employees; the main legal responsibilities businesses have to employees, suppliers and customers.

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

To achieve DipPFS individuals must achieve 140 credits. At least 80 credits must be at Diploma or AFPC level.

Fellowship of the CII is universally regarded as the premier qualification for those working in the insurance industry. This shows a commitment to continuous professional development.

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

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 in depth financial planning skills related to personal tax and trusts.

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.

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.

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 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: legal principles associated with the creation and management of a trust; main types of trusts that are common in the UK; taxation considerations relevant to trusts.

At the end of the unit candidates should be able to understand the use of platforms in providing financial services, the legal regulatory environment in which they operate and the ability to assess the suitability of platforms in meeting client requirements

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

ACSI membership of the CISI, and denotes commitment to professionalism. It is awarded to those with a suitable combination of qualifications and experience.