Advanced Mortgage Advice (R07) develops knowledge and understanding of the key elements of the mortgage process, specialist types of mortgage lending and to test candidates' ability to give appropriate mortgage advice to clients with complex needs and circumstances.

The default Enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered  on RevisionMate.
• Assessment entry.

Discretionary Investment Management (J10) develops knowledge and understanding of the role of the Discretionary Investment Manager, and the ability to analyse and apply financial information and portfolio management skills.

The default Enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered on RevisionMate.
• Assessment entry.

Discretionary Investment Management (J10) starts by looking at the investment advice process and establishing the client relationship - the aims and objectives, risk profile, investment objectives and analysing the client’s financial position.

Asset classes, investment strategies and investment wrappers are covered next, including the main asset classes – cash, bonds, equities and property, alternative investments and derivatives and investment tax wrappers. The Role of the investment manager is then considered, followed by discretionary and advisory management.

The study text moves on to look at investment funds, the economic environment, investment returns and investment risk. Portfolio theory – principles and limitations is considered, followed by measuring portfolio performance and understanding investment data. We then look at financial mathematics and sources of information – uses and limitations.

Purpose

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of:

• the behaviour, performance, risk profile and correlation of key investment types;
• discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio management;
• the principles of performance measurement, financial analysis and ratio analysis;
• the principles of performance management and portfolio theory.

Assessment

• 2 hour exam
• 90 multiple choice questions
• The nominal pass mark is 65%
• The 2023 pass rate for this unit was 88.2%

Course delivery

Instructions on accessing your course on RevisionMate will be sent to your registered email address. This is typically within two working days of your order being placed, but may be longer, particularly if payment is made by bank transfer or the unit is available as a pre-order.

Study material - editions available

2023-24 edition (applicable to exams sat 01 Sep 2023 to 31 Aug 2024) 

Equity Release (ER1) develops understanding of the different types of equity release products, risks to the consumer associated with equity release and application of suitable equity release solutions according to the circumstances of different customers.

The default Enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered on RevisionMate.
• Assessment entry.

Financial Planning Practice (R06) has been developed to help advisers develop and demonstrate their financial planning capabilities.

The default enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered on RevisionMate.
• Revision aids: Key Facts Booklet, Audio Revision, E-learn (delivered on RevisionMate).
• Assessment entry

The objective of Financial Planning Process (AF5) is to develop an understanding of the financial planning process when giving advice to clients.

Financial Protection (R05) develops your knowledge and understanding of and ability to analyse financial protection planning issues.

The default Enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered  on RevisionMate.

• Revision aids: Key Facts Booklet, Audio Revision, Knowledge Checker, E-learn (delivered on RevisionMate).

• Assessment entry.

Financial Services Products and Solutions (LP2) develops knowledge and understanding of customer needs, how financial services professionals and organisations identify and provide for these needs, including an understanding of key retail financial products such as savings, investments and tax wrappers.

The default Enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered on RevisionMate.
• Assessment entry.

Financial Services, Regulations and Ethics (R01) develops your knowledge and understanding of the financial services profession, including regulation, legislation and the Code of Ethics.

The default Enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered  on RevisionMate.

• Revision aids: Key Facts Booklet, Audio Revision, Knowledge Checker, E-learn (delivered on RevisionMate).

• Assessment entry.

Group Risk (GR1) develops your understanding of group risks, including the operations of such schemes and their features and taxation.

The default enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered on RevisionMate.
• Assessment entry

Individual Savings Account Administration (FA5) develops your understanding of investment issues, together with detailed guidance on the administration of individual savings accounts.

The default Enrolment option for this unit includes:

• Latest version of the core learning content, in digital format only, delivered on RevisionMate.
• Assessment entry.

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) often referred to as an investment wrapper, allows cash or other assets to be held in a tax-free environment. Introduced in 1999 to encourage individual investment, ISAs have since been the main vehicle for saving and investing tax efficiently.

This study text looks at the main features and uses and main rules surrounding ISAs, including a review of the main features and types of ISAs, their tax treatment and the main uses of ISAs. It then moves on to the regulations that surround ISAs, how they are made, the role of HMRC in connection with the administration of ISA schemes and the obligations on firms in respect of anti-money laundering and the safekeeping of client assets.

It considers eligibility conditions, the application process, rules surrounding what constitute acceptable investments within ISAs, how dealing takes place and how trades are cleared and settled. It looks at tax treatment of income, how corporate actions should be dealt with and the submission of tax claims and returns to HMRC.

It views the rules involved in managing an ISA, including ISA manager obligations, investor reporting, the range of statistical returns ISA managers make to HMRC and how HMRC audits ISA managers to check their compliance with the rules.

Building a successful career in personal finance

Individual Savings Account Administration (FA5) provides the essential knowledge and skills needed for a range of administrative and operational investment roles, including individual savings account administration.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:

• the main features and uses of Individual Savings Accounts;
• ISA investors and applications;
• ISA withdrawals, closure, deaths of investors, transfers;
• HMRC rules concerning ISAs.

Assessment

• 60 minute exam
• 50 multiple choice questions
• 70% nominal pass mark (the actual pass mark may vary from one session to another to ensure consistency in pass standards)
• The 2023 pass rate for this unit was 81.5%

Course delivery

Instructions on accessing your course on RevisionMate will be sent to your registered email address. This is typically within two working days of your order being placed, but may be longer, particularly if payment is made by bank transfer or the unit is available as a pre-order.

Study material - editions available

2023-24 edition (applicable to exams sat 01 Sep 2023 to 31 Aug 2024)