How to gain knowledge in finance

If you’re thinking of starting a career in finance, you’re in good company.  According to a 2025 report by industry body TheCityUK, approximately 1.1 million people work in the UK’s financial services industry – rising to 2.5 million when including related professional services. However, finance encompasses a wide range of disciplines and job roles, so it can be difficult to know which area would suit you best. Another consideration can be how to start learning the basics of finance, especially as there’s so much to digest before taking on an apprenticeship or a similar method of financial education.

Banking, accounting, insurance, tax, pensions, investments and financial planning are just a few of the professions that are directly linked to finance. A lot of people who choose to study finance will end up in one of these fields, so it’s important to understand the different areas before choosing a career direction.

After reading up on the various subjects involved in the financial sector to gain an understanding of the basic framework, it’s a good idea to involve yourself in publications and regular newsletters that are closely related to finance. By remaining connected to the sector, you’ll develop a more fluent understanding of the sector – along with a working command of the terminology that employers expect.

How to learn business finance

Similarly to finance, business encompasses a wide range of professions. Because both are relevant across so many different fields, they frequently intersect – meaning that in many cases, a solid understanding of one supports a deeper understanding of the other.

Business finance refers to the activity of managing a company’s money in a calculated manner. As the financial side of business is so important, being responsible for it comes with a lot of important considerations, such as taxes, ongoing accounts and long-term investments. Financial education has evolved to meet the demand, resulting in specialist apprenticeships that bridge both disciplines – such as a corporate finance apprenticeship.

A course such as this one would be suitable for someone looking to start a career in corporate finance, and many people benefit from the hands-on approach that comes with an apprenticeship. Alternatively, many of the financial publications, newsletters and websites also tie into business, so the same sources for financial knowledge could be used for business finance, as long as there’s some consideration for identifying appropriate areas.

How to learn about personal finance

If you’re interested in starting a career in finance, one of the most accessible starting points is personal finance. It’s something we encounter every day – managing the financial decisions of individuals or families, including budgeting, savings, investments and pensions.

Personal finance is involved in every financial occupation, even affecting business finances in cases where you need to keep the private accounts of company directors separate from business accounts. Elsewhere, people who require help with managing their money will refer to a financial adviser, where a DipFA course would be appropriate for anyone looking to get into this field.

Mortgages are another private financial concern that affects a lot of people due to the demand for mortgage advice. In the process of learning more about this subject, apprenticeships once again prove to be one of the most beneficial methods of education, with CeMAP courses teaching people how to provide the appropriate guidance and advice to those who need it.

What are the best resources for learning finance?

Getting started with financial knowledge doesn’t have to mean enrolling on a course straight away. There are a number of resources that can help you build a foundation before – or alongside – any formal study.

• Financial publications and news outlets – Trusted UK sources such as the Financial Times, MoneyWeek and Which? cover everything from macroeconomic trends to consumer finance. Reading these regularly will help you develop an intuitive feel for how financial markets and institutions work.
• Podcasts and online content – Podcasts have made financial education far more accessible. Programmes like The Martin Lewis Podcast or the FT’s Money Clinic tackle real-world personal finance topics in plain English. For more technical topics, platforms like Coursera and edX offer free introductory finance modules from reputable universities.
• Books – A solid introductory textbook can give you the structured grounding that news consumption alone won’t provide. Titles covering core concepts like the time value of money, investment fundamentals and risk management are a good starting point.
• Industry bodies and regulators – The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) all publish free guidance, consumer resources and career information. Familiarising yourself with these bodies is also useful context for working in a regulated sector.

What qualifications do you need to work in finance?

The qualifications required depend heavily on which area of finance you want to work in. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most recognised pathways:

• CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) – The industry-standard qualification for mortgage advisers, and a regulatory requirement for anyone providing mortgage advice in the UK. Simply Academy offers CeMAP training as both a standalone course and as part of a Mortgage Adviser Apprenticeship.
• DipFA (Diploma for Financial Advisers) – Designed for those wanting to become financial advisers, covering retail investment products and financial planning. Simply Academy’s DipFA course is delivered via live webinar, making it accessible from anywhere in the UK.
• Financial Services Administrator Apprenticeship (Level 3) – An entry-level programme ideal for those new to the industry. Apprentices gain foundational skills across financial administration, compliance and client support.
• Paraplanner & Financial Planner Apprenticeship (Level 4) – A step up for those with some experience, covering more advanced financial planning concepts and client-facing skills.

For many roles, there is no single mandatory degree – attitude, a willingness to learn and a relevant professional qualification often matter more to employers than a university background.

Is a finance apprenticeship right for you?

Apprenticeships have become one of the most popular routes into financial services – and for good reason. They allow you to earn while you learn, gain hands-on industry experience from day one, and leave with both a professional qualification and a track record of real employment.

Simply Academy has been designing and delivering financial services apprenticeship programmes since 2017, working with employers of all sizes. Government funding can cover up to 100% of the cost of training for eligible apprentices, making this one of the most financially accessible routes into the sector.

Some key advantages of a financial services apprenticeship include:

• Practical experience – You work within a real business from the start, building skills that classroom study alone can’t replicate.
• Industry-recognised qualifications – Apprentices qualify through accreditation with the CII or LIBF, both highly regarded across financial services.
• Networking – Working within an organisation from the outset gives you early access to professional contacts and mentors.
• Career progression – Many apprentices are offered permanent roles on completion, and the transferable skills gained open doors across the sector.

Staying up to date once you’re in the industry

Gaining knowledge in finance isn’t a one-time exercise – it’s an ongoing commitment. Financial regulations, products and market conditions change regularly, and professionals are expected to keep pace.

Once qualified, continuing professional development (CPD) is a requirement in many regulated roles. The FCA sets expectations for advisers and other regulated professionals to demonstrate ongoing learning. Industry bodies like the CII and LIBF offer structured CPD programmes, and Simply Academy also provides further training opportunities for professionals looking to develop their skills beyond initial qualification.

Following financial news, attending industry events and engaging with professional networks are all practical ways to maintain and deepen your knowledge throughout your career.

Ready to take the first step? Explore Simply Academy’s courses and apprenticeships online or get in touch with your expert team today.