London Institute of Banking & Finance level 4 Diploma (DipFA®)

If you want help gaining the London Institute of Banking & Finance level 4 diploma (DipFA®) qualifications then you’ve come to the right place.

Futuretrend is one of UK’s leading Financial Advisor Training Centres and our supportive and dynamic environment will make your exam preparation easy and enjoyable.

Our comprehensive DipFA® training programme provides you with the study support and discipline required for first time exam success.

Our tutors are fully DipFA® qualified with years of experience as IFA's, some are also official web tutors for the awarding body: London Institute of Banking & Finance (formerly known as The ifs School of Finance). They use the best resources and  incorporate multiple learning styles and study methods to help you understand the DipFA® requirements and exam process.

The Diploma for Financial Advisers:

• is a challenging and relevant programme of study that builds on existing adviser expertise and qualifications and reflects what advisers actually do

• is accredited at Level 4 in the National Qualifications Framework and contributes to the key RDR objective to obtain higher-level qualifications

• enhances knowledge in core areas such as regulation, investment principles, risk, taxation and personal financial planning

• uses real-life scenarios to develop the essential skills to apply this technical knowledge in practice

• is achievable within nine months assuming you have already completed a relevant benchmark Level 3 qualification

DipFA® Study and assessment comprises of three elements:

Element 1 (FSRE)
The initial period of study is oriented towards completion of the Financial Planning Principles element, which assesses knowledge and understanding of the broader financial services environment and the specific issue of assessing risk within customer advice scenarios.
Assessment of the FPP element will take place from month three and will be an electronic objective test, available at over 150 test centres nationwide, with confirmation of the results provided on the day.

Element 2 (Advanced Financial Advice Coursework)
The second element is the completion of the Advanced Financial Advice coursework assignment, designed to test technical knowledge and its application.

Element 3 (Advanced Financial Advice Exam)
The third and final element, usually at month nine, is a three-hour written examination combining knowledge, understanding and application of both units. This will be held at a number of UK locations and will be based on a realistic, real-life scenario that reflects what advisers need to do to provide added value to their customers in terms of detailed, technically appropriate advice delivered in language accessible to consumers. Two weeks before the exam The London Institute of Banking and Finance will issue a factfind on which the examination questions will be based.

Students will be expected to formulate a report showing detailed analysis and recommendations. The pass marks are 70% for the objective assessment and 50% for the coursework and examination. Students are required to complete all three elements successfully to be awarded the DipFA®. There may be compensation for a marginal fail between the latter two assessments.