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IFAs are being encouraged to swap tips on dealings with clients on a dedicated forum on social networking site IFA Life.

Standards International launched the professionalism forum at the beginning of October and it is open to all registered IFA life members.

Its organisers have called on users to share practices and techniques on "what demonstrates the sign of a true professional" and have hinted at arranging a public meeting of members, if the idea takes off.

Philip Calvert, chief executive of IFA Life, welcomed the addition to his site.

He said: "It is great to be working with Standards International and as the only dedicated certification body in the UK they have already certified 30 financial planners to ISO 22222 and are seeing an ever increasing demand from financial advisers and leading networks seeking certification.

"By using the professionalism forum we are encouraging a positive debate between advisers on the whole subject of professional standards and what it means in today’s market."

Michelle Hoskin, director of Standards International, said: "With the financial markets currently in turmoil, it is vital that consumers can have absolute trust and faith in the financial advice profession. 

"While all financial advisers strive for higher standards of professionalism, it is also important that they fully understand what it means and how they can best communicate their professionalism to clients and the outside world."