No Result
View All Result
Global Finances Daily
  • Alternative Investments
  • Crypto
  • Financial Markets
  • Investments
  • Lifestyle
  • Protection
  • Retirement
  • Savings
  • Work & Careers
No Result
View All Result
  • Alternative Investments
  • Crypto
  • Financial Markets
  • Investments
  • Lifestyle
  • Protection
  • Retirement
  • Savings
  • Work & Careers
  • Login
Global Finances Daily
No Result
View All Result
Home Retirement

The case for lifelong learning in financial advice

August 10, 2025
in Retirement
0
The case for lifelong learning in financial advice



The world of finance has never stood still, but today’s pace of change is unprecedented. As new technologies, shifting client expectations and a dynamic job market redefine the profession, one thing is clear: a university degree, while valuable, is no longer a golden ticket to career success in financial services.

That message is coming through loud and clear from the next generation. The CFA Institute 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey, based on feedback from more than 1,200 UK-based recent and soon-to-be graduates, reveals a cohort that is both optimistic and realistic about the road ahead.

These young professionals are ambitious, informed and acutely aware that academic qualifications alone may not be enough to secure the roles they want in finance.

This insight is essential, not just for recruiters but also for IFAs. As the stewards of personal wealth and trusted voices in financial planning, IFAs have a growing role to play in mentoring the next generation and evolving their own practices to align with the future of finance.

Credentials are no longer optional

While 81% of UK graduates surveyed say their degree has improved their career prospects, two-thirds believe that AI and automation will make it harder to secure their desired role.

This is a powerful reminder that the traditional education model is no longer sufficient preparation for the complexity and competitiveness of today’s job market.

A university degree, while valuable, is no longer a golden ticket to career success in financial services

In fact, 95% of respondents said professional or post-graduate qualifications were important for future career success, and a clear majority (64%) ranked professional certifications above postgraduate degrees when it comes to value in driving their careers forward.

This is not just about boosting CVs. Graduates are voting with their feet: 33% say they plan to pursue additional study beyond their initial degree, often with a specific focus on skills development in areas such as data analysis, AI and sustainability.

The AI challenge and opportunity

One of the most profound shifts facing the financial sector is the integration of AI. The survey shows that 67% of UK graduates are concerned that AI and automation could make it harder to achieve their career goals, yet paradoxically, 81% also express confidence in their ability to apply AI tools at work.

This duality — fear and confidence — reflects a transitional moment in the profession. Those entering the workforce know they need to be equipped for a digital-first environment. For IFAs, this presents a dual challenge: staying up to speed with new tools while also guiding clients and junior colleagues through the noise to the real value.

Phil Wickenden: Learning and doing must come as a pair

Upskilling, therefore, becomes not just a personal investment but a professional imperative. Technical competence in AI and data analysis must go hand-in-hand with timeless soft skills like trust, communication and ethical judgment — qualities that IFAs, in particular, are well placed to model.

Why this matters for IFAs

Advisers are already facing rising expectations from clients, regulators and peers. But the challenge is not only external. A growing cohort of younger clients and future colleagues are demanding a more agile, socially responsible and tech-savvy financial profession.

According to the survey, 88% of graduates trust human financial advisers most for guidance, well above AI assistants, robo-advisers, or influencers. This trust is an asset — but it comes with responsibility. To maintain relevance, advisers must demonstrate that they are not only technically capable, but also continuously learning.

In a world where career paths are increasingly non-linear and knowledge quickly ages, lifelong learning has become the new baseline

Professional development is no longer a back-office activity; it’s a front-line differentiator. For IFAs, this means staying informed on developments like AI, sustainability and behavioural finance, while also championing continuous learning within their firms and among their clients.

The future is hybrid

In a world where career paths are increasingly non-linear and knowledge quickly ages, lifelong learning has become the new baseline. The next generation of finance professionals knows this, and they are actively seeking credentials, skills and mentors to help them navigate the uncertainty.

For advisers, the message is clear: you are not just investment experts — you are educators, role models and stewards of professional standards. Embracing continuous learning isn’t just good for business. It’s essential for shaping a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking financial sector.

And for those who still believe a degree alone is enough to succeed in finance? The data suggests otherwise.

Peter Watkins is director of education at the CFA Institute

Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Related Posts

Royal London net inflows hit £4.1bn as profit climbs 15%
Retirement

Royal London net inflows hit £4.1bn as profit climbs 15%

August 9, 2025
Simpler pension transfers average 10.8 days, says Origo
Retirement

Simpler pension transfers average 10.8 days, says Origo

August 9, 2025
Weekend Essay: ’Tis the season to be on holiday
Retirement

Weekend Essay: ’Tis the season to be on holiday

August 8, 2025
The Morning Briefing: £1m Ponzi scam conviction; Tennis tips for investing
Retirement

The Morning Briefing: £1m Ponzi scam conviction; Tennis tips for investing

August 8, 2025
Stepping up support for vulnerable clients
Retirement

Stepping up support for vulnerable clients

August 7, 2025
The Morning Briefing: Retail fund inflows reach £2.9bn in H1; What advisers want from model portfolios
Retirement

The Morning Briefing: Retail fund inflows reach £2.9bn in H1; What advisers want from model portfolios

August 7, 2025
Load More
Next Post
Manulife buys 75pc stake in Comvest

Manulife buys 75pc stake in Comvest to create $18.4bn private credit platform

Popular News

  • Josh Garber

    How to Contact Hilton Customer Service

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The 10 best banks for college students in 2025

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Trump opens US retirement plans to private credit

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Convergence of public and private credit creates challenges

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Latest News

Crypto Debanking Persists Despite Trump’s Pro-Crypto Push, Says Unicoin CEO

Crypto Debanking Persists Despite Trump’s Pro-Crypto Push, Says Unicoin CEO

August 10, 2025
0

Crypto firms have been facing account closures and denials of banking services for years under the label of de-risking. Many...

Airport, Airfield, Aircraft

Why My New Favorite American Airlines Card Is the Citi Strata Elite

August 10, 2025
0

The Citi Strata Elite℠ Card is here — and its American Airlines benefits have me seriously thinking about ditching my...

Glass French Nails Are A Modern Take On A Timeless Classic

Glass French Nails Are A Modern Take On A Timeless Classic

August 10, 2025
0

There are very few nail designs that have stood the test of time quite like the humble French manicure. Its...

California bakery had $212K go missing, bank account frozen over clerical error. Are US banks allowed to do that?

California bakery had $212K go missing, bank account frozen over clerical error. Are US banks allowed to do that?

August 10, 2025
0

Sarah Torres was counting on two government checks to keep her family-owned bakery afloat when an unfortunate mishap turned her...

Global Finances Daily

Welcome to Global Finances Daily, your go-to source for all things finance. Our mission is to provide our readers with valuable information and insights to help them achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.

Subscribe

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Editorial Process

© 2025 All Rights Reserved - Global Finances Daily.

No Result
View All Result
  • Alternative Investments
  • Crypto
  • Financial Markets
  • Investments
  • Lifestyle
  • Protection
  • Retirement
  • Savings
  • Work & Careers

© 2025 All Rights Reserved - Global Finances Daily.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.