Ian Muskett

The objective of this unit is to develop an understanding of the financial services industry including regulation and legislation.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of investment products and the risks involved.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of financial protection plans.

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the various pension products, the pension tax regime and retirement needs.

Assesses the candidates’ ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry and its regulation.

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.

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 individual’s 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.

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