An internationally recognised financial planning credential. The holder must demonstrate a combination of experience, financial qualifications (usually AFPC/DipPFS) or equivalent, an IFP assessment, ongoing educational activity (continuous professional development) and ethical behaviour.
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.
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.
To achieve the Associateship grade, individuals would be required to have 6 AFPC (Diploma) units or equivalent. This shows a commitment to continuous professional development.
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 assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to personal and corporate pensions.
This examination assessed a knowledge and understanding of the UK tax system, the law and practice of trusts, but also an ability to advise individual clients on the tax treatment of their investments and the use of trusts to meet their current and foreseeable future needs.
This examination enhanced general pension knowledge, particularly in pension transfers and opt-out business.
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.
This examination assessed knowledge and understanding of income generating options and applying the knowledge to retirement planning situations.
This examination assessed knowledge and understanding of the range of investments available for planning of pensions and to be able to apply the construction of a pension portfolio management for a client.
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.
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 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.
We believe people should ideally choose to work with Financial Planners who are:
1. Chartered
2. Certified
3. Independent
We tick all three boxes. Our Financial Planner, Andrew Neligan, is a Chartered Financial Planner (CII), a Certified Financial Planner (IFP) and a Chartered Wealth Manager (CISI). This means that we have the technical expertise, practical experience and financial planning skills to ensure you receive the best possible advice, service and support.
We are also specialists, working with two groups of people:
1. People approaching retirement
You’re starting to think about the future but might not be ready to retire for another 10 to 15 years. Nevertheless, you want to ensure you reach that point with a thorough strategy already in place.
2. People at retirement
Whether you’re ready to stop work completely or transition into retirement by continuing to work on your terms, you want to feel confident and secure in your financial situation.
Whichever category you fall under, we specialise in creating bespoke and purposeful financial strategies that will enable you to enjoy a successful retirement.
There are many things which separate us from other firms, including:
• We are Financial Planners: We are less concerned with your money, and more concerned with you; your goals and objectives for the future.
• We are experts: Our Financial Planner, Andrew Neligan, is a Chartered Financial Planner (CII), a Certified Financial Planner (IFP) and a Chartered Wealth Manager (CISI).
• We are independent: As an independent firm, we are able to recommend financial products (ISAs, pensions, etc.) from the whole market. You can therefore rest assured that the solutions suggested are truly bespoke and fit for purpose.
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