Standards International & ifs collaboration

Standards International has agreed to collaborate with the ifs by developing a formal linkage for the promotion of learning and assessment opportunities offered by the ifs. In exchange, the ifs has agreed to do the same.

The agreement comes as both organisations had reported surges in interest for their respective offerings.

Standards International recently acknowledged they had received unprecedented demand from advisers seeking to gain certification for ISO 22222 - the international standard for financial advisers.

The ifs School of Finance has similarly seen a significant spike in registrations for their level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA).

Michelle Hoskin, business development director at Standards International said: “Standards International and the ifs complement each other’s efforts to support the development of financial advisers through our differing approach to learner development, accreditation and certification.

“We are very pleased to be working together on these areas of mutual interest which will not only bring benefits to our respective organisations but to the adviser community as a whole.”

Anne Kiem, vice-principal at the ifs added: “Thousands of advisers are taking our new level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) to meet forthcoming FSA requirements.

“Inevitably many of these advisers will then seek to further enhance their skills and experience so progressing to ISO certification will be a logical approach for most.

“ISO 22222 neatly complements the ifs qualification structure so we are naturally pleased to be able to support the work of Standards International. We are also grateful for their efforts in supporting our activities and look forward to having a long and productive relationship that serves advisers well."