The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) (formerly the FSA) and the Financial Skills Partnership
Investment firms regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and / or the Prudential Regulatory Authority (formerly, jointly, the FSA) are required to employ staff who are competent [FCA / PRA Handbooks SYSC 3.1.6 R].
A major component of competence is knowledge of the services and products of the relevant industry sector. For many job functions, staff are expected to hold a qualification which appears on one of the lists published by either the FCA or the Financial Skills Partnership (FSP).
For staff dealing with retail clients, the FCA's Appropriate Qualifications Tables are relevant.
For staff dealing with professional clients, the FSP's Qualifications List is relevant.