Holding Chartered status is the pinnacle in any profession and the financial services industry is no exception. Individuals can apply for the Chartered Financial Planner title following completion of a number of qualifications set at degree level (QCF level 6).

These qualifications have been designed to ensure that people seeking help with their financial planning can be confident that they are dealing with the most suitably-qualified professional advisers who adhere to the highest professional standards.

In addition, many non-adviser industry professionals can achieve the designation, so demonstrating their own level of professionalism and competency.

Application for chartered status is via the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). The CII is the premier professional organisation for those working in the insurance and financial services industry. Chartered Financial Planner status represents the "gold standard" of excellence and integrity and is the ultimate title for financial advice professionals.

Corporate Chartered status is also available and allows firms to demonstrate their professional commitment to raising standards of knowledge, capability and ethical practice. The eligibility criteria includes having a minimum of one Chartered Financial Planner on the firms board or highest management team.

As at the beginning of January 2020, there were approxmately 9,000 chartered individuals and 950 chartered firms.