Formal qualifications supporting financial planning, structured decision-making, and cross-border advisory work.
When working across countries, decisions often involve regulation, long-term consequences, and irreversible commitments.
Formal training matters.
My work is supported by recognised qualifications in financial advice, business, and design, which together inform a structured, systems-based approach to planning and problem-solving.
Financial Planning Qualifications
Financial Planning & Advisory Qualifications
Professional Diploma in Financial Advice – Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA)
Awarding body: Institute of Bankers in Ireland (IOB) – University College Dublin
Year awarded: 2025
The QFA designation confirms professional competence in financial advice, client protection standards, and ethical practice. It is widely recognised within financial services and planning contexts.
European Financial Advisor (EFA)
Awarding body: EFPA – European Financial Planning Association
Qualification level: EQF Level 5
Year awarded: 2025
The EFA qualification focuses on comprehensive financial planning, long-term strategy, and client-centric advisory frameworks across European contexts.
Academic Background
BSc (Hons) Architectural Design & Technology
Cardiff Metropolitan University (formerly UWIC)
Graduation year: 2010
This degree developed strong foundations in systems thinking, technical structure, and long-term planning – skills directly applicable to financial and relocation strategy.
HND in Business Management
Leeds Metropolitan University
Graduation year: 2006
The HND in Business Management provided grounding in organisational structure, financial principles, and operational decision-making.
How these Credentials are Applied
How these Credentials are Applied in Practice
Rather than existing in isolation, these qualifications support a practical approach to:
- Financial planning for internationally mobile individuals
- Understanding regulatory boundaries and professional scope
- Structuring complex decisions with long-term implications
- Coordinating specialist professionals where required
Advice and planning are always provided within the appropriate regulatory framework and, where necessary, through licensed or regulated entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications does Jonathan Howe have?
Jonathan Howe holds the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation, the European Financial Advisor (EFA) qualification, a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Design & Technology, and an HND in Business Management.
What is a Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA)?
QFA stands for Qualified Financial Adviser. It is a professional financial advice qualification awarded by the Institute of Bankers in Ireland, focused on financial advice standards, ethical practice, and client protection.
What is a European Financial Advisor (EFA)?
The European Financial Advisor (EFA) is a financial planning qualification awarded by the European Financial Planning Association (EFPA). It is aligned with EQF Level 5 and focuses on comprehensive, long-term financial planning.
Is the QFA a regulated financial qualification?
The QFA is a recognised professional qualification within financial services. However, financial regulation is jurisdiction-specific, and holding the qualification does not automatically permit regulated advice in every country.
Is the EFA qualification recognised internationally?
The EFA is recognised across Europe and in international financial planning contexts, particularly where European financial planning standards are relevant.
Can Jonathan Howe give regulated financial advice?
Financial advice is provided within the appropriate regulatory framework and scope. Where regulation applies, advice is delivered through licensed or regulated entities or professionals.
How are Jonathan Howe’s qualifications relevant to expats and international planning?
These qualifications support structured financial planning, long-term decision-making, and an understanding of regulatory and cross-border considerations commonly faced by expats and internationally mobile individuals.
Why does Jonathan Howe have a background in architecture and business?
Training in architecture and business supports systems thinking, structural planning, and long-term problem-solving – skills that translate directly into financial and relocation planning work.
If you’d like to understand how these credentials apply to your situation, the best place to start is a short conversation.