Guides by financial research company Defaqto are now recognised by the Institute of Financial Planning as contributing to the continuing professional development of Financial Planners and Paraplanners.

The free guides are focused on helping intermediaries stay informed on regulatory changes and industry movements.

They also cover trends in over 30,000 products in the banking, pensions and investment sectors.

Recent guides have covered topics such as platforms, discretionary management, income-generating funds and personal pensions.

Simon Thomas, Defaqto’s insight manager, said: “Continuing professional development has always been good practice but in recent years the RDR has brought it new prominence. We are delighted that the IFP has recognised the tangible benefit that our publications offer advisers and the contribution they can make towards their ongoing development.”

Sue Leech, IFP education director, said: “We welcome the addition of high quality learning materials, such as those provided by Defaqto, into the range of options we have accredited for use by IFP members.

“Maintaining appropriate CPD is the hallmark of a professional and I am sure that IFP members will value the addition of these publications which will help them to keep their knowledge and information up to date.”

The guides can be accessed at www.defaqto.com/adviser/ifa/guides