Express an interest

If you are interested & require further information, we will email you a copy of the programme brochure.

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Data Protection Notice

About this data protection notice

This is a statement of the practices of The Institute of Bankers in Ireland, 1 North Wall Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1 (trading as IOB) (‘the Institute’, ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) in connection with the capture of personal data on this webform and the steps taken by the Institute to respect your privacy.

The Institute is a Data Controller and is committed to protecting your rights and any personal information which you provide to the Institute will be treated with the highest standards of security and confidentiality, in accordance with Irish and European Data Protection legislation.

The privacy notice explains the following:
  • What information do we collect about you?
  • The purpose for collecting your personal data
  • The legal bases for collecting your personal data
  • Are you required to provide the information?
  • How we store and secure personal data?
  • Details of third parties with whom we share personal data
  • What are your rights?
What information do we collect about you?

The data we collect from you will be used by the Institute only in accordance with the purposes outlined in this privacy notice. We will collect your data via webform on www.iob.ie.

The data collected in this webform will be shared with the following areas of the Institute:

  • Programme Management Department
  • Marketing Department
  • Lifelong Learning Department
The purpose for collecting your data

The data we collect about you will be used for:

  • providing information on the programme(s) for which you have completed an expression of interest webform;
  • notifying you of promotional events related to this designation(s) or programme(s) e.g. Programme Taster Lectures, IOB Open Evening; and
  • advising you of upcoming application and registration closing dates for this designation(s) or programme(s)
The legal basis for collecting your data

For the purposes outlined in this privacy notice your personal data will be processed on the basis of Explicit Consent.

By submitting this webform, you confirm that you are providing your informed consent to the processing of your data as outlined here.

Are you required to provide the information?

We require you to complete the mandatory fields identified in this webform for the purposes outlined above. If you do not provide us with the information required in these fields, we may be unable to process this Expression of Interest form.

How we store and secure your data

Any data we collect from you will be stored confidentially and securely. The Institute is committed to ensuring all accesses to, uses of, and processing of Institute data is performed in a secure manner.

In keeping with the data protection principles, we will only store your data for as long as is necessary to provide our services to you and for such a period of time after this as is necessary to comply with our obligations under applicable law and, if relevant, to deal with any claim or dispute that may arise in connection with our relationship with you.

For the purposes described here we will store your data for one calendar year from the date you submit the webform. Before the end of this calendar year, we may contact you to ask if you wish to re-confirm your consent to the storing and processing of your data for the purposes outlined above.

When we store your personal data on our systems the data will be stored on the Institute’s secure I.T. platforms within the EEA which are also subject to European data protection requirements.

Details of third parties with whom we share personal data

The Institute will share your data with third parties where necessary for purposes of the processing outlined here.

We will share your information with our service providers (e.g. printers, I.T. support, auditors, legal advisors, and other professional advisors).

We may also disclose your information where required by law to do so.

Your information will not be shared with any other third parties.

When we share your data with the third parties outlined here the Institute will ensure that the data is only processed according to our specific instructions and that the same standards of confidentiality and security are maintained. Once the processing of the data is complete any third parties with whom data was shared will be required to return the data to the Institute save where they are required to retain it by law.

What are your rights?

You have the following rights, in certain circumstances and subject to applicable exemptions:

  • You are entitled to ask for a copy of the personal data, which IOB holds about you.
  • The right to have any inaccuracies in your personal data amended.
  • The right to object to the processing of your personal data.
  • The right to have the personal data that we hold about you erased.
  • The right to restrict the processing of your personal data.
  • The right to receive your personal data, which you provided to us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format or to require us to transmit that data to another controller.
  • You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
Contact

If you have any queries relating to the processing of your personal data for the purposes outlined above or you wish to make a request in relation to your rights, you can contact the Institute’s Data Protection Officer using the contact details below.

If you are unhappy with the way in which your personal data has been processed, you may in the first instance contact the Institute’s Data Protection Officer using the contact details below.

IOB has a Data Protection Officer who can be contacted through [email protected] or by writing to:

The Data Protection Officer, IOB, IFSC, 1 North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.

If you remain dissatisfied then you have the right to apply directly to the Data Protection Commission for a decision. The Data Protection Commission can be contacted at:

Data Protection Commission
Canal House
Station Road
Portarlington
R32 AP23 Co. Laois
www.dataprotection.ie

The Institute of Bankers in Ireland (a company limited by guarantee) trading as IOB

Registered Number: 197171
Registered Charitable Organisation
Charity Registration Number: 20026950
CHY Number: 10530

P: +353 (0)1 6116500
F: +353 (0)1 6116565
E: [email protected]

Privacy Statement
Terms and conditions

Before you continue...

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Professional Diploma

Financial Advice (QFA)

Enrol now to commence studies in February 2024
Enrol now
Express an interest
  • Duration
  • 3 Trimesters
  • Programme
  • 6 Modules
  • Study
  • Online
  • Fees
  • From €350 p/module
  • Level
  • NFQ 7, 30 ECTS
  • At a glance

    The Professional Diploma in Financial Advice is a six-module level 7 qualification and is a must for all those pursuing a career in retail and business banking. It is the industry recognised, premier designation qualification, for financial advisers in retail financial services in the Republic of Ireland. If you are a financial adviser, or wish to become one in the future, then the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice will enhance the breadth and depth of your knowledge to provide consumers with sound professional advice.

    Awarding Body

    University College Dublin

    For people who are interested in...

    • Becoming a fully qualified QFA

    • Advising on Pensions, Consumer Credit, Life Assurance, and/or Stockbroking

    • Retail Banking, Credit Unions, FinTech Payments, or as a broker

    Recommended reading: Top questions on becoming a Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA)


    Download brochure


    How you will benefit

    On successful completion of this programme and on attaining the industry valued professional QFA designation and the European Financial Advisor™ designation (only with IOB), you will be able to:

    • Provide competent advice to consumers regarding the various loan offerings available, the process involved and the implications of these offerings to consumers

    • Discuss the need for, and types of, retirement provision available and the regulation and restrictions on such provision

    • Describe relevant regulation that is used in the provision of financial services and the impact it has in this environment

    • Explain the types of investment needs of consumers and the important issues arising as a result of these needs

    • Provide competent advice to a consumer regarding their life assurance needs and the implications of decisions they may make

    • Use analytical skills to make recommendations to clients regarding financial planning.

    Minimum Competency Code

    Holders of the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice are invited to apply for the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation thereby meeting the Central Bank of Ireland’s Minimum Competency Code for those who wish to arrange, advise on, or undertake specified functions for the following five categories of retail financial products:

    • Life Assurance

    • Pensions

    • Savings and Investments

    • Housing Loans, Home Reversion Agreements and Associated Insurances

    • Consumer Credit Agreements and Associated Insurances.

    Continued use of the QFA designation is subject to meeting annual CPD requirements. The QFA designation is overseen by the QFA Board, which includes representatives from IOB, the Insurance Institute and LIA.

    IOB is very proud to be the only body in Ireland to offer the EFA designation alongside the QFA designation as a result of our agreement with the European Financial Planning Association.

    Continuous Professional Development

    If you hold an IOB designation or a designation managed by IOB, CPD hours may be awarded on successful completion of this programme.

    Duration & delivery

    • Delivery is online

    Fees

    • €350 per module, plus an annual study fee of €80

    Award

    • Professional Diploma in Financial Advice from UCD

    • This is a level 7 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications and carries 30 ECTS

    • Invite to the Qualified Financial Adviser designation

    Assessment

    • Two-hour online exam for each module at the end of the trimester

    • For the modules Regulation, Life Assurance, Loans, Investment and Pensions, the exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions. For the Financial Planning module, the exam consists of a written case study and essay-style questions

    Designations

    Once members have successfully completed the six Financial Advice modules, they will receive an invitation for the Qualified Financial Adviser Designation.

    QFA designates with IOB will now get the European Financial Advisor™ designation. For further information click here

    Next intake

    • Enrolling now for online exam in May 2024

    Closing date

    • 15 March 2024

    Contact

    Modules and learning outcomes

    To enrol for Financial Planning, candidates must be enrolled for, passed or be exempt from the first five modules: Regulation, Life Assurance, Loans, Investment and Pensions.

    QFA Regulation

    (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.

    QFA Investment

    (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.

    QFA Life Assurance

    (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.

    QFA Loans

    (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.

    QFA Pensions

    (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.

    QFA Financial Planning

    (NFQ Level 7, 5 ECTS)

    Analyse and appraise a clients’ financial needs and attitude to risk.

    Critically evaluate different financial products offerings and assess their relevance in structuring a financial portfolio that fulfils your clients’ needs.

    Make an investment recommendation for a client on the basis of having assessed their needs, attitude to risk and match these against product offerings.

    Prepare a detailed client financial review with regard to their life stage, personal circumstances, needs and attitude to risk.

    Specific areas covered:

    Providing advice to consumers

    Consumer reviews

    Suitability statements

    Recap on retail financial products

    Taxation issues.

    Designation

    Once members have successfully completed the six Financial Advice modules, they will receive an invitation for the Qualified Financial Adviser Designation.


    QFA designates with IOB to be granted European Financial Advisor™ designation

    IOB has formalised an agreement with the European Financial Planning Association (EFPA) to allow Qualified Financial Advisors (QFAs) who are active IOB members to avail of the European Financial Advisor™ (EFA) designation in addition to their QFA designation.

    The EFPA is the largest licensing, standard setting and certification body for financial planners and advisers in Europe.

    All current QFA designates with IOB will be granted the European Financial Advisor™ (EFA) designation on January 1st, 2022 at no additional cost and with no requirement to undertake any additional exams or CPD.

    The additional cost of the certification is covered by IOB on behalf of their members.

    For further information click here


    Minimum competency code

    Central Bank of Ireland’s Minimum Competency Code requires the QFA designation for those who wish to arrange, advise on, or undertake specified functions for the following five categories of retail financial products:

    • Life Assurance

    • Pensions

    • Savings and Investments

    • Housing Loans, Home Reversion Agreements and Associated Insurances

    • Consumer Credit Agreements and Associated Insurances.

    Maintaining a designation

    Continued use of the QFA designation is subject to meeting annual CPD requirements. The QFA designation is overseen by the QFA Board, which includes representatives from IOB, the Insurance Institute and LIA.

    Key Dates

    This programme enrols three times a year.


    Next intake

    Spring trimester

    Closing date

    15 March 2024

    Requirements

    The minimum second level educational requirements for entry to the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice are as follows:

    • Five passes in the Leaving Certificate, including English and Mathematics

    • Five O Level/GCSE passes, including English Language and Mathematics

    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. To enrol for Financial Planning, candidates must have enrolled for, passed or be exempt from the first five modules: Regulation, Life Assurance, Loans, Investment and Pensions.


    Professional Body Membership

    You must be a current member of IOB, or become a member, to undertake this programme.

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