Posted by The Team at Brand Financial Training on August 11, 2020 in Newsletter
11 August 2020
We are currently working hard to update all our financial services exam resources for the 20/21 tax year (for more information see ‘Around the Corner’ below).
We have a couple of points to note from the CII with regards some recent changes.
As you are probably aware, the Stamp Duty Land Tax threshold has increased. Examinations will be reflective of this change from 1 September 2020.
The UK has left the European Union and is now in a transition period which ends on the 21st December 2020. This will have no immediate impact on the 2020-2021 CII syllabuses or exams.
For any specific queries with regards the CII exam syllabus, please contact the CII directly.
Best Wishes,
The Team at Brand Financial Training
Featured Article
Taking a Closer Look at the Balance of Payments
The balance of payments is just about the money coming into and going out of a country. Here, we take a closer look – useful information for those studying for any of the CII R02, J10, J12, or AF4 exams.
Essentially, the balance of payments records the:
flow of money into a country, e.g. payments from goods that the UK has exported.
flow of money out of a country, e.g. payments for goods that the UK has imported.
Flows of money between the UK and the rest of the world are measured in the capital account and in the current account.
The Capital Account
The capital account reflects net changes in ownership of national assets – for example, when someone comes to this country, their assets become part of the UK’s total assets, or if a Japanese company built a factory in the UK, this would be included in the UK capital account.
The capital account also includes portfolio investment, so investing in assets such as shares in overseas companies, financial derivatives, and reserve assets held by the Bank of England.
In this article, we discuss the benefits of incorporating a little time with nature into your study schedule.
We all know that taking breaks enhances concentration and information retention and that short, regular breathers in particular help keep you focused on the broader picture. Indeed, we’ve previously mentioned the Tomato Timer technique, involving 25-minute bursts of concerted effort followed by a five or 10-minute pause.
So it’s widely accepted that factoring in proper, quality resting time will enhance productivity, creativity, and health, while making it easier to take decisions.
Yet while appreciating their importance, you may not have given too much thought to where you take your breaks. You may have chosen to spend them inside, perhaps surfing the internet or flicking the TV on, tackling the odd domestic chore or emailing a friend – none of which is particularly relaxing…
Genuinely, you do need to get out more – by which, we mean outside in natural surroundings. Of course, not everyone is fortunate enough to live in rolling green countryside or by a dramatic coastline. But just getting out to enjoy a local park, woodland, or stretch of water could make a real difference.
(Crucially, while doing this you should try to avoid looking at your mobile devices unless it’s absolutely essential.)
Available for AF1, AF2, AF4, AF7, CF1, CF6, CF8, ER1, FA1-2, IF1-5, J02, J03, J05, J07, J10-12, LP2, R01-5, and R07
...“I passed my exams 1st time after buying the 3 mock exam packs. They are very relevant and gave me that extra confidence in taking the exam. Thank you Brand 🙂 The service is excellent as well I might add.’...
Passing your CII exam isn’t only about having the necessary knowledge and understanding, it’s about being able to apply that knowledge in an exam setting exactly as needed and in a timely manner. It is essential that you practise multiple exam papers to ensure that you know exactly how to apply your knowledge. Too many people fail due to a lack of exam practice, even if their knowledge is good.
Our mock exam question papers ensure you get the practice you need to achieve exam success. Couple them with other resources in our study kits and you’ll be well prepared for your exam.
All answers include cross references to the relevant CII study text
All questions and answers are kept up-to-date to reflect changes to the exam syllabus and tax year
Written for essential exam practice, but are not duplicates of the CII’s mock papers
Download them instantly in PDF format and print as required
30-day money-back guarantee
Why not try before you buy? Download one of our free tasters:
Updated Resources for the New Examinable Tax Year 2020/21
We’re currently working hard on updating all our financial services resources, and all purchasers of our 19/20 resources will be entitled to the 20/21 versions free of charge*. The updated resources will be available in late August. We’ll keep you informed as the time draws nearer.
Please note that our AF7 calculation workbook, study notes and audio masterclasses will be discontinued from the 20/21 examinable tax year onwards, but our mock papers will still be available.
*Note this does not apply to: IF exams whose examinable year ends on 31 Dec; the e-learning videos, which have a 6-month subscription, or our R03 hard copy study text.
Last Ever J11 Wrap and Platform Services Exam Sitting
Last ever sitting of J11 is in October 2020. We have confirmed with the CII that they will NOT be updating the CII study text for this exam, so you can continue to use the 19/20 study text as well as our 19/20 resources.
You can find the full information here. Contact the CII directly if you have any questions about this.
Our resources can help you revise for J11. Find out more here.
Did You Miss These Posts on Our Blog?
Articles and Help for All Your Exams
You’ll find that there’s something for everyone when you check out our blog:
specific topics and how-to articles;
reviews of recent CII exam papers;
our Friday Five – a weekly quiz to give you a fun break from reading the study text;
study techniques that help you to retain your revision and keep your brain working for you, when you need it
Here are the blog posts you might have missed since our last newsletter:
There’s such a variety of information on offer to help you as you tackle your CII exams, that you won’t want to miss a single post. We’ve made it easy for you; just click the button below and enter your email details. Be ‘in the know’ with CII-exam-related tips and info – straight to your inbox!
Quote of the Month
..." If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires. "...
Malcolm Gladwell
Friday 5
"5 Questions in 5 Minutes Every Friday"
This is a bit of Friday Fun where we provide you with 5 questions (and answers) relevant to a mix of CII exams. The challenge is for you to answer the questions in 5 minutes.
Where do I find the Friday Five?
We post each week's Friday Five to our blog first thing every Friday. You can either visit our blog every Friday at https://brandft.co.uk/blog/ or you can simply go there now, and click on the subscribe button in the top right-hand corner of the blog and sign up to receive notifications of our Friday Five posts.
Note that we don't email the Friday Five out to everybody every Friday, so we recommend you sign up to our blog at https://brandft.co.uk/blog/ so that you receive an email notification when it is posted. It will only take you a minute to sign up.
A bit of Friday Fun, but with the added benefit of testing your exam knowledge!
Here’s a reminder that the CII update their study texts throughout the examinable year to either incorporate new legislations, correct errors or clarify information. Many candidates aren’t aware of this, which can result in candidates studying out-of-date information.
To find out if you have the most up-to-date information, visit the CII website, navigate to your chosen exam and click on ‘learning solutions update’ in the ‘Unit updates’ section in the sidebar.
Note that we keep our resources up-to-date with any updates from the CII.
