Element 1: The Financial Services Industry and the Economic Background
The purpose and structure of the financial services industry and the economic factors that affect investment returns

Element 2: Fiduciary Relationships
The basis of the relationship between adviser and client and the codes of conduct governing business dealings

Element 3: Financial Advice and Risk
The process of giving financial advice, including the importance of regular reviews of a client’s circumstances, the risks faced by investors and how an investor’s risk profile is determined

Element 4: Financial Assets and Markets
The range of financial assets, their salient features, their advantages and disadvantages and the main financial markets on which they are dealt

Element 5: Investment Funds
The funds available to clients to meet their savings, investment and spending needs

Element 6: Investment Planning
The investment planning process and the approach used to structure a portfolio of financial assets to suit the needs of a client

Element 7: Retirement Planning
The retirement planning process and quantifying needs in retirement

Element 8: Protection Planning
The range of protection products available and the need to assess priorities for protection

Element 9: Estate and Tax Planning
How taxation affects financial advice and investment selection