Member Story: Charley Addison

Discovering the industry

My interest in international finance and administration began early in my career when I knew I wanted to build a long‑term path in a sector that genuinely interested me. The industry stood out as the most engaging, and the IFA qualification appealed to me because it provides a strong, structured foundation that supports real knowledge and career progression.

Strengthening my foundations

Before studying, I often felt I understood what needed to be done, but not always the underlying reason why. I wanted to strengthen my technical knowledge so that I could not only perform my own duties more efficiently, but also confidently support others. The IFA qualification gave me the theoretical foundation I was missing and helped me better understand how the core elements of administration, finance, regulation, and governance fit together.

Seeing the bigger picture

The qualification made the connections between day‑to‑day processes much clearer. I gained a deeper understanding of how the industry functions and why each responsibility matters. The Investments module in particular had the biggest impact on my daily work. Because I regularly encounter investment‑related terminology in fund administration, learning how investments work helped me interpret complex concepts more effectively and apply this knowledge directly to my role.

Balancing work and study

I completed the exams over 3.5 years while continuing to progress in my career in a demanding job. Staying organised, setting realistic study targets, and being disciplined with my time were essential. An excellent learning provider, both in‑person and online, also helped me stay consistent and answer any questions along the way.

 Progressing in my career

Since starting the IFA qualification, I have progressed from a Senior Administrator to a Manager. The strengthened technical knowledge, increased confidence, and ability to take on greater responsibility have all played a significant part in that development. I now feel more capable and assured when working with international clients, regulators, or multi‑jurisdictional matters. Understanding the broader context behind decisions has improved the clarity of my communication and the quality of my judgement.

Developing ethical risk awareness

The qualification reinforced the importance of strong governance, compliance, and ethical practice in day‑to‑day administration. It helped me understand not just the rules, but the rationale behind them, enabling me to approach risk and ethics with greater awareness and diligence.

 Advice for future students

For anyone starting the IFA, I would say that the qualification is extremely worthwhile and directly applicable to real‑world work. Level 4 gives you a solid foundation, and Level 5 builds on it in a meaningful way. The key is being strict with your study time, consistency is what makes the difference.

 Adding value to my organisation

My organisation has benefited from my improved technical knowledge, increased efficiency, and ability to support other team members. I approach tasks with a stronger understanding of regulatory and practical requirements, enhancing the quality of my output and contributing positively to the wider team and our clients.