Insights

The number of mature students applying to full-time undergraduate courses is on the rise, according to Government statistics, with online learning making higher education more accessible than ever before. But what is life like as a mature student?

On 3 August 2023 the Bank of England raised the base rate from 5% to 5.25% – its highest level in 15 years. The increase is intended to reduce the UK's annual inflation rate, which sits at 7.9% – well above the target rate of 2%.

Every workplace should strive to be diverse and inclusive for all employees, regardless of their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Fostering an inclusive workplace culture can help the sector to attract and retain top talent, as well as improve employee engagement, productivity and customer relations.

Nathan Blissett, Founder and Director of Dwello Mortgages, talks to LIBF Insights about his move from professional football into mortgage broking, what motivates him in business, and what he expects to see in the mortgage market.

Are you thinking about qualifying as a financial adviser? No matter your career background, if you have good communication and organisational skills, and can write up reports, a rewarding career as a financial adviser could be for you. We put together some advice on how you can become a financial adviser, what the job involves, and what sort of education you need.

If your in customer services, how can you support customers who find themselves in financial distress? Interest rate rises, out of control inflation, supply chain disruption and an all-round increase in the cost of living are creating financial hardship – particularly among borrowers.

If you’re a practising financial adviser – or involved with insurance distribution or delivering pension transfer advice – you must do CPD. As a paraplanner or mortgage adviser, you should also keep up with what’s happening in the industry. Sue Wiggins, our CPD Manager, shares her tips for where to find and how to approach CPD.

If you’re a financial adviser looking to help clients prepare for the long term, our Level 6 in Financial Planning in Retirement (FPIR) will help. It will also set you on the road to chartered status, but the assessment is different to most qualifications. Sue Wiggins outlines how you will be assessed for FPIR, and shares her advice on the best approach to success.

Ahead of World Environment Day, Nadim Choudhury – our Head of Careers and Employability – explores three exciting career paths for those wanting to make a change in the world through sustainable finance.