UK: Aviva Financial Adviser Academy signs 5,000 members

Aviva’s Financial Adviser Academy has welcomed 5,000 members since launch.

Aviva’s Financial Adviser Academy has welcomed 5,000 members since launch.

The academy started in March 2008 in partnership with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). It promotes the financial advice profession and offers an education package which gives financial advisers an excellent way of improving their qualifications and attaining the CII Diploma in Financial Planning.

Since the Aviva Financial Adviser Academy started:

  • More than 2,800 members have sat a CII Diploma exam in Financial Planning exam.
  • 51% of academy members achieved a pass or distinction.
  • 99% advisers surveyed say they would use the Financial Adviser Academy again.
  • 89% of advisers surveyed would recommend the academy to a friend.

Angela Seymour-Jackson, intermediary and partnerships director at Aviva, said: “We have been delighted by the number of advisers that have joined Aviva’s Financial Adviser Academy. We recognise that the world of financial advice is changing fast – particularly with the changes brought about by the Retail Distribution Review – and the number of advisers that are attending the academy indicates that the industry is embracing these changes and is determined to achieve a recognised higher-level qualification and raise their professional standing.”

Support for advisers using the academy builds throughout the year to include:

  • Tools and guidance to make it easier to start and get the most out of study time
    Studying for the diploma might seem like a daunting task, but Aviva’s self-study planning tools and study techniques make it easier. Advisers can find help to apply their acquired technical knowledge through online case studies and self-study questions.
  • Support from Aviva’s team of specialist trainers and consultants
    Aviva’s training team has many years’ experience helping financial advisers through exams. The team host ‘virtual classroom’ conference calls as well as face-to-face revision sessions and provide online training support including podcast and webcast presentations.
  • Access to a recommended package of CII learning materials at a competitive price
    Aviva has arranged a competitive cost for a range of CII learning materials, to complement how advisers want to study. The package can be bought from the CII after completing registration and joining the academy.
  • Focused support
    Advisers must accumulate a minimum of 140 credits, 80 of which must be at diploma level, which is equivalent to sitting four of the Diploma in Financial Planning units. The academy supports learning for J01, J02, J04, J05 and J06. The academy will continue to be updated as new standards are finalised and published by the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC).

Advisers can visit The Aviva Financial Adviser Academy at www.aviva.co.uk/academy

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Press office contacts:
David Gwyer - 01904 452828 / 07800 693187
Louise Soulsby - 01904 452617 / 07800 699526

Notes to editors:

About Aviva
Aviva, the international savings, investments and insurance group, is the world’s fifth largest insurance group, serving 50 million customers across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

In the UK, Aviva is a leading provider of life, pensions, investment, general insurance and health products to more than 20 million customers. Aviva also provides roadside assistance through the RAC. Products are distributed through a number of channels including IFAs, brokers, corporate partners and direct to customers via the internet.

Aviva's UK Insurance business has a market share of around 15%, making it the largest general insurer in the UK. The business is focused on insurance for individuals and small businesses.

Aviva's life and pensions business in the UK has a total market share of 12% and a top three position in its key markets of savings, protection, and annuities.