The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and Personal Finance Society (PFS) celebrated 347 graduates at their annual graduation ceremony in Westminster on Friday, recognising the expertise, commitment and continued professional development required to achieve Associate, Chartered and Fellowship status. For those attaining Chartered or Fellowship status, it marks the "pinnacle" of their professions.

The professional body awarded 20 Fellows of the CII, 75 Associates of the CII, 13 Chartered Insurance Brokers, 13 Chartered Insurance Practitioners, 4 Chartered Insurance Underwriting Agents, and 13 Chartered Insurers. Ninety-nine Fellows of the PFS were awarded, as well as 110 Chartered Financial Planners.

Speaking at the ceremony, Callum Beaton, President of the CII, said: “Today, we are here to recognise you, the graduates, those who have achieved Fellowship, Chartered, and Associate status. This is your moment to celebrate the hard work, some late nights, and determination that have brought you here.

You join a remarkable community. The CII now has more than 14,000 Associates, nearly 12,500 Chartered members, and over 2,500 Fellows. Each of you adds to that number today, and to the strength and credibility it represents for our profession.

Earning a CII qualification is no small feat. It demonstrates not only your technical knowledge and professional competence but also your commitment to the standards and ethics that underpin public trust in our profession.”

Also at the event, Kate Gannon, President of the PFS, said: “Achieving Fellowship of the PFS or gaining Chartered status with us is the pinnacle of our profession, and I know from my own experience just how much hard work and commitment is needed to achieve them. 

Late nights, early mornings and weekends of study may feel like a huge sacrifice, but this has led you all here today and you should each be extremely proud of your incredible achievements. 

The PFS is delighted to now have more than 8,600 Chartered Financial Planners and 4,000 Fellows. Thousands of individuals serving tens of thousands of clients in the very best ways. But we know that learning does not end when you become a Chartered Financial Planner. The Personal Finance Society will continue to be here to support you to maintain and enhance your technical and behavioural competence over the course of your careers.”

Following the graduation ceremony, this year’s Apprenticeship and Qualification award winners were recognised at the prestigious event in Central Hall, where 15 qualification awards and 9 apprenticeship awards were given.

2025/26 PFS Apprenticeship Award winners

• Insurance Professional Apprentice of the Year: Alfie Merrison

• Insurance Practitioner Apprentice of the Year: Isabelle Griffin

• Apprentice Employer of the Year​ (Large): Allianz, Karl Owusu

• Apprentice Employer of the Year​ (Small): Daines, Stefan Daines

• Financial Adviser ​Apprentice of the Year: Jasper Howe

• Paraplanner Apprentice​ of the Year: Luke Viner

• Financial Services Administrator ​Apprentice of the Year: Yahya Ahmed