The mark of the true professional

Statements of professional standing (SPS) may be seen by some advisers as yet another imposition from the regulator. Or could it actually be an opportunity to demonstrate quality that actually helps business and boosts consumer confidence?

This element of FSA’s comprehensive and landscape-changing retail distribution review could seem innocuous or even a bit pedantic – but could equally assist advisers to build their business. It would be a pity if mis-understandings weaken the potential upside of statements of professional standing.

What are these requirements and what do advisers have to do? The basic principle is that advisers giving investment advice to retail customers will have to demonstrate under the RDR that they are adhering to the enhanced professional standards of qualifications, continuing professional development and ethics.

This is primarily to build consumer trust and confidence, to increase individual regulatory accountability and to focus advisers’ attention on the importance of competence and ethical behaviour. In one sense the SPS is aimed at “empowering” advisers to make the most of their professional standards and to deepen ownership of those professional principles.

In practice, advisers will need to obtain an SPS from the most appropriate accredited professional body (a list is published by FSA). The statement confirms that your qualifications have been verified (by an approved accreditation body) and that you have signed an annual declaration that you:

* Hold the required qualifications (including gap-filling).

* Have kept your knowledge up-to-date.

* Adhere to standards of ethical behaviour.

The SPS also includes your individual reference number as on the FSA Register and a “recommendation” that the reader should also double check that you are on the FSA Register, and explains how to do so.

An SPS will be needed to be obtained from one of the FSA approved accreditation bodies (largely professional institutes). For the first time round, firms will need to provide evidence to an accredited body that each competent retail investment adviser has completed their appropriate qualification, including all gap-fill where required, and the adviser will need to declare that they have complied with the ethics and principles contained in FSA’s approved person’s rules (referred to as APER – check the FSA website for details). If firms have competence and exam issues with any staff they should be notifying FSA now. For example, an adviser who is no longer considered competent or has failed to obtain the relevant exam in the time period set.

This statement will need to be renewed annually and signed, including a demonstration that you have kept your knowledge up-to-date by undertaking any relevant continuing professional education required.