CISI Updated ICWIM Exam Questions and Answers by selena

A defined benefit pension scheme promises a pension based on a formula, typically linked to salary and length of service. Because the benefit is defined in advance by the scheme rules, members have greater certainty about the level of retirement income they are accruing, subject to scheme terms, accrual rate, and any indexation rules. The investment risk and funding responsibility sit mainly with the employer or the scheme trustees, not with the individual member. This is the key contrast with defined contribution arrangements, where the retirement outcome depends on contributions paid in, investment performance, charges, and annuity or drawdown rates at retirement. Therefore, a DB scheme is not described as being linked to the performance of the assets from the member’s perspective; poor asset performance creates a funding issue for the sponsor rather than automatically reducing the promised benefit. It also does not simply provide an individual “pot” to purchase benefits at retirement, which is a DC concept. Transferability is not a defining feature of DB schemes and, where transfers occur, they are governed by specific rules and may involve giving up guarantees. The best answer is that DB provides clearer knowledge of retirement income.

An open-ended fund can create or cancel units based on investor demand.

Liquidity: Open-ended funds, such as Unit Trusts and OEICs (Open-Ended Investment Companies), continuously issue and redeem shares.

Pricing: The price is based on the Net Asset Value (NAV).

Flexibility: The fund manager can adjust the fund size by issuing or cancelling units.

???? Reference: FCA Handbook, CISI Wealth & Investment Management (Fund Structures).

A normal product is one for which demand increases when consumer income rises, assuming other factors remain unchanged. When consumers have higher disposable income, they are typically willing and able to buy more units of normal goods at any given price. This change in purchasing power affects the quantity demanded across the entire range of prices, not just at one price point. In demand and supply analysis, that is represented as a shift of the whole demand curve, rather than a movement along the same curve. The correct direction is to the right, indicating higher demand at each price level. A shift to the left would describe a fall in demand, which would be associated with reduced incomes for normal goods, or rising incomes for inferior goods. The curve does not “begin to curve upwards” because the shape of the demand curve is not changed simply because income rises; it is the position of the curve that changes. This distinction between movement along the curve due to price changes and a shift caused by income changes is a common exam trap.

Know Your Customer (KYC)

A regulatory process requiring firms to collect sufficient information about a client to ensure advice is appropriate.

It involves understanding the client’s financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.

Why the Answer is D

Establishing sufficient client details is the essence of KYC. It ensures compliance with regulations and prevents mis-selling.

Why Other Options are Incorrect

A. Suitability and affordability: Part of KYC but does not encompass all aspects.

B. Attitude to risk: A component of KYC but not the full procedure.

C. Status disclosure: Refers to informing the client about the advisor’s regulatory status, not client profiling.

ICWIM Study Guide, Chapter on Regulatory Compliance: Details KYC as a cornerstone of financial advice.

FCA Guidelines: KYC is a mandatory process in the UK’s financial services.

ReferencesThus, the correct answer is D. Following know your customer procedures.