ICS Learn Launch the LIBF Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA)

We are proud to announce our new partnership with The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) and launch the LIBF Digital Academy powered by ICS Learn.

This new academy will be offering students the opportunity to study the Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) – 100% online!

The London Institute of Banking & Finance’s DipFA is the minimum level qualification you need to become a financial adviser, as laid down by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It is the essential qualification for retail investment advisers in the UK and can kick-start a new career as a regulated financial adviser.

Here’s more information about the LIBF Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) and why you should consider studying it if you’re thinking about working in financial services.

What is LIBF?

This qualification is offered by The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF), a professional body with Taught Degree Awarding Powers. Founded in 1879 as the Institute of Bankers they’ve evolved to become one of the world’s leading professional membership bodies for people who work in the financial services and mortgage industries.

It’s responsible for maintaining a high quality of service and education in the financial industry, so it offers a range of qualifications that enable it to equip financial professionals with the right mix of high-quality skills and expertise that employers need in roles.

What is the LIBF Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA)?

The LIBF Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) is the minimum qualification that you’ll need to be able to work as a financial adviser in the UK

This LIBF qualification is designed specifically for people who are at the start of their financial advising career or for professionals who are considering making their first steps into the industry. It will help you to develop the essential skills and knowledge that you’ll need to become a recognised, qualified, and successful financial adviser.

Once you’ve studied this qualification, you’ll be able to apply for financial adviser roles whether as an independent financial adviser (IFA) or as part of a wider organisation.Thanks to the fact that it’s offered by LIBF – one of the world’s most highly respected professional membership associations for financial services professionals – this qualification is held in high-esteem by employers, increasing your chances of securing your dream job.

Why should I study the DipFA?

Aimed at developing the essential skills, expertise and knowledge that you’ll need to start a new career in financial advice, the LIBF Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers is the minimum level qualification that the FCA requires professionals to hold if they’re looking at working in the financial advice field. Once successfully completing the DipFA qualification you are one step further to becoming a regulated financial adviser.

Our DipFA is different to that of other providers in the fact that you can study it completely online, using the brand new Digital Academy. This study format helps makes the course content a lot more interactive and flexible. With our DipFA, you’ll be able to

How long will it take to study the DipFA?

It will take you around 9 months to study the DipFA. We recommend three months to study FSRE and six months to study AFA.

What will I study?

The DipFA is made up of six modules that you’ll need to study. These modules are comprehensive and designed to give you an excellent grounding in all of the key skills and knowledge that you’ll need in your financial advising career. They don’t assume any prior knowledge of how the world of financial advising works which is perfect if you’re starting your career from scratch and you’re coming at this material for the first time: 

Module 1: Financial Services Regulation and Ethics (FSRE)

FSRE provides a comprehensive introduction to UK financial services, through focusing on the environment, key components and interrelationships of the financial system, and legal concepts relevant to retail financial advice.

Modules 2 to 6: Advanced Financial Advice - Taxation (AFAT), Investment (AFAI), Protection (AFAP), Retirement Planning (AFAR), and Coursework (AFAC) 

In these modules, you’ll be exploring the concept of financial advice in depth. You’ll look at the different types of services that financial institutions provide, as well as looking at the various features and components of the monetary and financial system. You’ll explore the concept of risk and how it influences markets and financial institutions, along with factors that influence the type of financial advice that can be given. You’ll also cover the FCA’s approach to ethics and unethical behaviour. 

How can I study it?

The Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers is studied 100% online through LIBF’s Digital Academy powered by ICS Learn.

Offered as a bespoke learning experience, the Digital Academy offers built-in features tailored to your needs. It also has a range of other benefits, including:

• Paperless learning, helping you reduce the cost of textbooks and helping the environment
• Multi-device access letting you learn on-the-go from your phone, tablet or laptop
• Live and recorded webinars by industry experts, to help you prepare for your assignment tasks and exam
• End-of-unit knowledge quizzes to help you reinforce what you’ve learned
• Dedicated tutor support, letting you connect with your DipFA tutor via the click & communicate online chat function

As the very first financial adviser course that you can study 100% online – from start to finish – studying it can make developing your career a whole lot easier – not to mention, cheaper.

Online learning through the Digital Academy allows you to fit your study around the demands of your life. It’s particularly effective if you’re working full-time already and you’re looking to develop your career but can’t afford to take time off work to devote entirely to study. With online learning, you can study anywhere, anytime – all you need is an internet connection.

Develop your career in financial advising with us

We’re very excited to announce our new LIBF Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA). We hope this blog has got you just as fired up about it as we are!

Start your journey towards a new career in financial advising with a 100% online LIBF DipFA qualification. Download your free course guide today.