FCA Automotive Services is celebrating after gaining IMI accreditation for its own finance training program.

The financial unit of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has become the first captive finance company to receive recognition from the Institute of the Motor Industry.

The award follows the launch of FCAAS’s new Finance and Insurance Specialist Programme.

Working in conjunction with FCA UK’s training facility, FCAAS has created its own Finance and Insurance Specialist Programme which goes beyond the Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) online product knowledge training, providing a modular programme which claims to increase knowledge and skills through behavioural training.

Keeley Sherry, training manager at FCA Automotive Services Ltd, said: “From initial production and development of the programme, we worked closely with the IMI to ensure their collaboration and agreement to provide official accreditation. We are delighted to have worked collectively with the IMI to have successfully achieved this.

“The programme is about developing skills, knowledge and competency to be an F&I specialist in a highly regulated industry.

“We challenge delegates to ask themselves: how do I do my job effectively in line with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulation?

“This Programme is the first of its kind to be accredited by the IMI.  It has been designed to complement one of the key Principles of the Financial Conduct Authority Regulation – Treating Customers Fairly – to ensure that it is at the core of the business and embedded as a part of the business culture.”