Nine months since its launch, the Personal Finance Society (PFS) Pathway to the Profession talent programme has reached its initial target of attracting 500 individuals to join the financial planning profession, and become new PFS members. The Pathway programme, which included complimentary entry into the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Group’s Financial Protection (R05) exam, has generated over 1,000 expressions of interest, with 521 being accepted to begin their studies.

The CII Group has started the year as it ended 2025, seeking to influence regulation by convening the profession and shaping what good practice looks like.

We helped set the tone for how regulators approach Consumer Duty, vulnerability and AI, surfaced under preparedness for the Great Wealth Transfer, and committed to leading work on new driver road safety. This is the CII acting not just as a responder, but as a shaper of the agenda.

We held our latest PFS Board meeting on Thursday 16 April. We began by noting the additions of Dr Alan Whittle FPFS and Adam Harper to the PFS Board and welcomed them to their first meeting. We also welcomed the appointment of a new Executive Director, Member Engagement, who we will introduce to members in coming weeks. They will play a pivotal role in strengthening the value, influence and day‑to‑day experience of PFS membership, building strong engagement and volunteer networks so all our members feel genuinely supported, connected and proud to belong to their professional body.

Entries are now open for the Personal Finance Society (PFS) Personal Finance Awards 2026/27, celebrating excellence and professionalism across the personal finance sector. The Awards recognise firms and individuals who demonstrate outstanding expertise and consistently deliver good consumer outcomes.