What counts as CPD now?

Under the new version of the code, expected to come into force next year, advisers must do 30 hours of structured continuing professional development over two years.

But they must be able to show how that training fits in with their business development and advice practice. What counts as structured CPD for one adviser could potentially be unstructured for another.

It cannot be training designed solely for the purpose of promoting a particular product.

Consultant David Whyte said that would cause confusion. “The 30 hours have to be relevant to your practice, and trotting along to a Sovereign sales seminar - or similar - will no longer qualify for CPD points. This makes life difficult for advisers who operate in specialist areas.  Who offers impartial presentations and seminars these days?”