The Financial Services Authority and the Financial Services Skills Council

Investment firms regulated by the Financial Services Authority are required to employ staff who are competent [FSA Handbook SYSC 3.1.6 R].

A major component of competence is knowledge of the services and products of the relevant industry sector. For many job functions, staff are expected to hold a qualification which appears on one of the lists published by the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC).

For staff dealing with retail clients, the Appropriate Exam list is relevant.

For staff dealing with professional clients, the Recommended Exam list is relevant.