The CISI, somewhat mysteriously, states that Morgan has to fulfil some "ethics and experience requirements" before he can apply for the "gold-standard, global certification for financial planners, the CFP certification." This is hardly a rare accolade, however; once approved, he can expect to join more than 186,000 people with that certification. Barron has already acquired it.

In a rather unlettered way, Morgan stated on the CISI website: “I think it is important, as a financial planner, to be able to bring together your technical knowledge and apply it to clients’ circumstances in a coherent financial plan, which is what the Level 7 case study tests."

He also looked forward to being part of "the global community of Certified Financial Planners™."

Barron was more level-headed: "In a real-life setting there would be in-depth discussions with the client to ascertain their aims, objectives and priorities."