The Association of Independent Financial Advisers’ (AIFA) online business academy is now live at www.aifaffwd.net.

The academy, developed with the support of Skandia, is aimed at helping IFA firms deal with the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) and help develop better performing businesses.

Following the introduction of the self-assessment module in July this year, the academy now provides AIFA members with a full range of modules to help them on the road to RDR transition. From conducting a thorough business audit, through to defining a business vision, client proposition and segmentation, the academy provides valuable tools and guidance.

The academy also features an interactive financial model for IFA firms as they plan and assess the impact of transition. IFA firms will be kept on track to transition with the FFWD Wizard, helping them coordinate and monitor progress throughout the project. The website has been developed in partnership with practitioners who have already completed business transition successfully and all tools are free to use for AIFA members.

Chris Cummings , director general of AIFA, said: “The business academy provides a comprehensive framework and effective tools that will be hugely beneficial to IFA firms in meeting today’s business challenges. If firms have not done so yet