University College Dublin
If you are interested & require further information, we will email you a copy of the programme brochure.
As you are not registered with us, you will need to upload proof you can enrol to this programme.
I know, let’s sign upI have an account, let me sign in firstThe Professional Certificate in Financial Advice is a must for all those pursuing a career in retail and business banking. It is the benchmark qualification for product advisers in retail financial services products in the Republic of Ireland.
University College Dublin
For people who are interested in...
If you are a product adviser, or wish to become one in the future, then the Professional Certificate in Financial Advice will enhance the breadth and depth of your knowledge to provide consumers with sound professional advice.
On successful completion of this programme and on attaining the recognised professional designation APA, you will be able to:
Provide competent financial product advice to consumers
Describe relevant regulation that is used in the provision of financial services and the impact it has in this environment
Use analytical skills to make recommendations to clients regarding a financial product.
Delivery is online
€350 per module, plus an annual study fee of €80
Professional Certificate in Financial Advice from UCD
Two hour exam for each module at the end of the trimester - (100 multiple choice questions)
Autumn Trimester
10 November 2023
For more information please contact [email protected]
In this programme you study one core module and one optional module:
Core:
(NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Identify the different forms of Regulation relating to financial service providers.
Identify the main regulatory bodies in Ireland and their functions.
Discuss the range of regulatory rules that apply to intermediaries and/or product providers in their dealings with clients.
Describe the impact of legislation relating to consumer protection, money laundering, distance marketing, data protection & privacy, Investor compensation, unfair terms in consumer contracts and tax evasion.
Explain the functions and powers of the Financial Services Ombudsman and the Pension Ombudsman.
Specific areas covered:
Why financial service providers are regulated
Authorisation
Minimum Competency Code
Consumer Protection Code
MiFID
Data protection
Anti-money laundering.
Optional (choose 1):
(NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Discuss the operation of the financial services markets and the impact of government economic and monetary policy on Investments.
Describe the features, benefits, limitations and risks associated with the different classes of investment assets available within the industry.
Identify and discuss the basic investment principles.
Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of investments required to effectively advise clients.
Specific areas covered:
Markets
Asset classes
Shares
Bonds
Deposits
Collective investment schemes
Unit-linked savings
Regulation.
(NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Describe the main life assurance needs of the consumer at all life stages.
Explain the main features, benefits, limitations, and risks of different types of life protection policies.
Detail the issues involved in starting a policy and in paying out benefits.
Identify the constituents in a valid will and know the impact of the Succession Act.
Discuss financial mathematics principles that underpin personal life assurance and pension products and perform related calculations.
Specific areas covered:
Why protection is needed
Term assurances
Income protection
Serious illness
Business insurances
Estate planning
Unit-linked savings and bonds
Quantifying protection needs
Regulation.
(NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Describe the personal financial need for a loan, and the different ways in which such a need can be met by different types of loans and consumer credit on offer.
Explain the features, benefits, limitations, security requirements and taxation treatment of consumer loans and credit arrangements, and their associated insurances.
Discuss and demonstrate the impact of regulation on the provision of housing loans and different forms of consumer credit.
Detail the steps and documentation involved in obtaining a housing loan and evaluate and recommend an appropriate housing loan option from those on offer.
Identify the issues and processes involved in debt restructuring and equity release and describe the process and protocols to be adopted for the recovery of loan arrears.
Specific areas covered:
Types of housing loans
Central bank requirements
Regulation
Loan application
Housing loan insurances
Arrears
Consumer credit.
(NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)
Explain the need for retirement provision.
Describe the taxation, legislation and regulatory framework for pensions.
Identify the features, benefits and risks of pension product options available to clients.
Display the skills and competencies required to effectively advise clients in all areas of Pensions.
Specific areas covered:
State pensions
Personal pension plans
Employer pension schemes
AVCs
ARFs
Annuities
Quantifying pension needs
Investment
Regulatory bodies.
Accredited Product Adviser (APA)
If you hold an IOB designation or a designation managed by IOB, CPD hours may be awarded on successful completion of this programme.
This programme enrols three times a year.
Autumn Trimester
10 November 2023
The minimum entry requirements are as follows:
Five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including English and Mathematics, OR;
Five O Level/GCSE passes, including English Language and Mathematics, OR;
IOB will also consider applications on a mature candidate basis from applicants who are 23 years of age before the date of their application for admission to the programme.
You must be a current member of IOB, or become a member, to undertake this programme.
IOB was founded in 1898 by a small group of financial services professionals. Today we are Ireland's largest professional membership community.
Join IOB today