Half of Zurich Intermediary Group (ZIG) sales consultants have taken up the challenge of studying to gain the Diploma of Financial Planning with the ultimate goal of achieving Chartered Financial Planner status.
In 2007, ZIG achieved 100% take up of membership of the Chartered Institute of Insurance, Personal Finance Society (CII/PFS) amongst its sales force. Membership of the CII/PFS is part of the ZIG Professional Qualifications Programme, which is designed to promote and support sales consultants within ZIG in obtaining CII professional qualifications. To make it easier for employees to gain CII qualifications, Zurich offers both financial and study support to employees.
Peter Campbell, Zurich HR Director said, “We believe it is important that our sales consultants are encouraged to study for professional qualifications that will enable them to offer a truly professional service, based on a solid foundation of financial planning knowledge, to the advisor community. We hope that by 2008, the majority of our ZIG consultants will have decided to study for the Diploma of Financial Planning.”
Chris Gillies, Zurich Intermediary Group, Managing Director added, “The Retail Distribution Review has generated considerable debate around the need to raise standards in the retail financial services arena in order to restore public confidence in the industry. The CII has been at the forefront of this debate and has made significant changes to the qualifications they offer in order to help raise standards and distinguish the professionals within our industry. We believe that by assisting our sales consultants in obtaining CII qualifications we will be able to tangibly demonstrate to Financial Advisors that our consultants are serious about their commitment to develop their knowledge and technical competence."
Zurich’s relationship with the CII is now well-established. In 2006, Zurich became the first insurance company in the UK to partner with the CII to create a professional qualifications training programme. In June 2007, the CII awarded Zurich accreditation for its Futures Programme – a UK-wide talent development initiative for senior managers in the company. Today’s announcement is another step towards Zurich’s goal of becoming known for attracting developing top talent.
For further information contact
Susannah Mogg, Zurich Financial Services on 01489 561559 or 077340 76667
Notes to Editors:
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 58,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries.
