Lighthouse, an independent financial guidance and wealth management group, has commended the Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA) for its work on a diploma.

Entitled the Diploma in Investment Planning, if it gets the thumbs up from the Financial Services Skills Council it will mean staff will be able to gain a qualification that is based on case studies mirroring the daily tasks an employee faces.

Joint-chief executive of Lighthouse Group Malcolm Streatfield remarked: "We believe this is a positive step for the profession, maintaining a high, or higher, standard of professional attainment, but providing alternative ways to demonstrate it."

A spokesperson from the AIFA said the certificate will be above the required level needed by the regulator and it is grateful for the support it has received in relation to the issue.

Meanwhile 58 per cent of graduates recently called for bosses to ditch their minimum prerequisite of a 2:1 degree, according to a survey by Milkround.com.

"So you’re a student or graduate who wants a top paying career in Banking & Finance?”

If yes, watch the video on the right now to gain instant access to everything you need to secure a top paid career / internship in banking & finance (Valued at £197)…