FSA approval with a criminal record

Bonam25

Hello,

I'm ashamed to say that I was convicted of assault back in early 2003, and was sentenced to 6 months in prison. 8 years on and having tried to put my life back together as best I can, I'm now thinking of pursuing a career in financial advice. Actually, I'm about half way through the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. However, I've just discovered that the FSA requires disclosure of all criminal convictions-spent & unspent.

Does anybody know if the FSA is likely to approve me? And, has anybody had experience of trying to find work in the financial advice sector with a criminal record?

To be frank, this is 'worrying me to death'. When I was convicted back in 2003 I was a secondary school teacher, and subsequently left the profession because I knew that even if I was permitted to continue teaching, the conviction would remain a major 'blot on my copy book'. (I should point out that the violent incident concerned was drink related and nothing to do with school or children.) I desperately wanted to move forward and try to put things, as much as possible, behind me, so I left teaching. After doing 'bits & pieces' for the last 8 years, I've now found something that I really want to do, but this realisation that my past could stand in my way once again, has completely demoralised me.

Any information and/or advice that you could give me would be much appreciated
A.

SarEl

Has anything changed since the previous two threads on exactly the same subject and asking exactly the same question?

Emmzi

call the FSA and then you will know.

SarEl

Emmzi wrote: »

call the FSA and then you will know.

That is what everyone on the other two threads said!

Emmzi

well i did note OP had called the FSA but had settled for a half hearted answer. I would write in, I think.

Bonam25

Sorry for repeating myself. I did contact the FSA and the person I spoke to said pretty much what I expected... that each case is assessed on an individual basis, that a criminal record does not automatically mean refusal, that openness in communication with the FSA is vital, ..., but that they can make no promises prior to an actual application for approval.

I was wondering if anybody out there has been in this situation? Have you applied for approval with a criminal record? Or, do you know anybody that has? If so, I'd really like to hear about your experiences. Cheers, A

maninthestreet

It must have been a serious assault if you were sent to prison for 6 months.

Mark_h_4

maninthestreet wrote: »

It must have been a serious assault if you were sent to prison for 6 months.

We arent here to judge only give advice where we can. I dont see that we can go into any details regarding the assault.

As the OP has said each case is judged on its own facts. until you apply I dont see how we can advise. It would be too hard to try and match up any details of your case with someone on this forum and even then no one can guarantee the judgement passed on the application.

I really think you will have to just try it and see.