Wizard Learning CPD Updates – Monthly Snippets

This page provides snippets from each monthly CPD update so you can see a short example of what’s included. Full articles, assessments and accredited CPD hours are available to subscribers only. Learn more about our CPD system here, or purchase access.

New months are added to the top of this page.

September 2025 CPD Update – Snippets

This month’s CPD update includes 31 articles across all eight categories, giving advisers a concise overview of the key regulatory, market and tax developments shaping advice right now

Compliance

FCA and Fos coordination on redress for targeted support aims to give firms clearer complaint outcomes; the FCA calls for deeper industry–regulator partnership to combat increasingly sophisticated financial crime; non-financial misconduct becomes a formal compliance issue from 1 September 2026 under SM&CR reporting; aspects of Consumer Duty (value assessments, CASS, vulnerable customers, cross-border transparency) set for review in late 2025 with refinements from 2026

Economy

Financial services headcount and firm numbers fell in H1 2025, with mortgages and investments most affected; GDP was flat in July with mixed signals for rates and the autumn Budget; first rate cuts since 2021 begin to ease mortgage pressure and support a gradual housing market recovery, though affordability remains tight

Miscellaneous

Money Ready and RedStart join forces to expand financial education reach and impact; adviser academies grow, with SJP still largest while Quilter, M&G Wealth, Openwork and Benchmark scale up; Phoenix Group to rebrand as Standard Life in March 2026; seven workplace pension providers secure gold ratings as AI tools improve efficiency and member engagement; advisers should watch AI’s growing role in compliance monitoring; addressing digital exclusion remains essential under Consumer Duty

Mortgages

Average rents remain near record highs with regional variation; UK house prices hit a new peak with stability supported by rates and approvals; highest availability of 90–95% LTV mortgages since 2008 as product choice broadens and fixed rates edge down; RICS consults on an updated Home Survey Standard reflecting tech and consumer changes; Renters’ Rights Bill set to overhaul tenancies, evictions, rent rises and tenant protections with implications for buy-to-let

Pensions

Retirement confidence is rising but gaps persist by age, gender and income; DB scheme surpluses reach record highs ahead of new funding and investment strategy valuations; state pension projected to rise 4.7% in April 2026 with tax interactions from 2027; draft rules propose bringing some pensions into IHT scope with PRs primarily liable and new ‘scheme pays’ options; Pensions Dashboards connectivity progresses, creating engagement opportunities and data-quality risks

Protection

FCA regulation has boosted confidence and uptake in prepaid funeral plans amid market consolidation and ongoing need to distinguish from whole-of-life; the UK’s protection gap persists as income protection lags despite Consumer Duty and insurer innovation — advisers should position IP as the foundation of financial resilience

Savings & Investments

Younger investors show greater market appetite but lower confidence, highlighting advice and education needs; Treasury Committee urges a review of Lifetime Isa rules and clarity for UC interactions; ESG evolves toward ‘transition finance’ under SDR labelling, backing improvers alongside leaders; private markets edge into mainstream via packaged products and LTAFs, raising suitability, liquidity and fee considerations

Taxation & Trusts

SIPs vs CSOPs — contrasting all-employee share ownership with selective options, with important tax advantages and ‘good leaver’ rules; April 2025 offshore trust reforms shift to a residence-based regime, unwind many non-dom protections, introduce FIG/temporary repatriation facilities and reshape IHT/excluded property tests — advisers should review structures promptly

August 2025 CPD Update – Snippets

This month’s CPD update includes 31 articles across all eight categories, giving advisers the latest insights from across the financial services sector.

Compliance

FCA secures assets from fraudsters and sets out reforms to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime.

Economy

Analysis covers pressure for potential tax rises, slowing GDP growth, and debate over quantitative easing windfalls.

Miscellaneous

Advisers gain from new mentorship programmes, with industry surveys highlighting demand for simplified financial advice.

Mortgages

Rental costs hit new highs, later life mortgages become mainstream, and the green mortgage market contracts.

Pensions

Contributions reach record levels, defined benefit surpluses grow, and major inheritance tax reforms for pensions are confirmed.

Protection

A record £8 billion was paid out in protection claims, while demand for IHT-focused life assurance has surged.

Savings & Investments

UK equities attract renewed interest, the first PISCES operator is approved, and gilt demand rises sharply.

Taxation & Trusts

More estates face inheritance tax bills, dividend taxpayers increase, and speculation grows over new CGT reforms.

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