A financial services recruitment firm says headhunters are putting more emphasis on qualifications than experience when sourcing jobs for IFAs.
Ben Arter Associates managing consultant Matt Giles says that while the firm traditionally puts experience first, the retail distribution review's step change in professional standards means that qualifications are becoming the priority for recruiters.
Giles says he supports the industry's move towards higher qualifications.
He says: "The ideal situation is for an IFA to be self-supportive in terms of business but with the RDR looming, qualifications are becoming as important. Now experience is becoming secondary to qualifications because people are going to have to aim for QCF level 4 and above.
Grayside Financial Services IFA Mark Edwards says: "I fully support the move towards higher qualifications, it is something that we are currently undertaking. However, I think it is very dangerous to discount experience completely.
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