Defaqto’s publications are now recognised as contributing to the continuing professional development (CPD) of financial advisers, financial planners and paraplanners by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

This means that Defaqto’s publications are now recognised by both the CII and Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) for continuing professional development.

The independent financial research company issues a wide range of free publications for intermediaries, which are focused on helping them stay up-to-date on key issues affecting the financial advice sector.

Defaqto’s publications span fund sector and product/platform area reviews, ‘how to’ guides, service reviews, case studies and thought-leading comment papers – and cover a diverse range of topics from wealth management to protection and outsourcing to key regulatory, including RDR-related, issues.

“Continuing professional development is a core part of professionalism; it builds consumer confidence by maintaining standards of technical expertise and practical application of knowledge and the CII is pleased to accredit these publications from Defaqto,” said Tamsin Mills, director of accreditation services, CII. “I am sure many advisers will find it enormously useful.”

David Cartwright, Defaqto’s head of insight, added: “Continuing professional development has always been good practice, but in recent years the Retail Distribution Review has brought it new prominence. Through our publications for advisers we provide unbiased analysis, commentary and insight, based on our market leading product, platform and fund data, to highlight key issues and challenges impacting on financial advice – and provide practical guidance to help advisers navigate them.

“We are delighted that the CII has recognised the tangible benefit that our long established and popular publications offer advisers, and the contribution they can make towards their ongoing development – and this adds to the IFP accreditation that our publications have carried for some time.”