Aston Martin Financial Services has signed up its UK dealer business managers to the new Finance and Insurance Accreditation Pathway developed by Alphera Financial Services in partnership with the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

A number of the brand’s F&I business managers have already achieved accreditation via Alphera as part of the scheme which is independently assessed by the IMI.

Aston Martin Financial Services’ global managing director, Steve Underwood, said: “It’s incumbent on our dealers to provide the most accurate information to customers purchasing an Aston Martin on finance.

“This is as much about offering our customers the high quality of service they expect from us, as it is ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance in every finance sale.

“The IMI accreditation programme is helping F&I business managers to assess customers’ needs and consistently match them with the most appropriate finance product.

"Many of our business managers are already putting their new-found skills and knowledge to good use.”

Alphera’s accreditation scheme with the IMI complements existing Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) programmes from the FLA, enabling a practical application of skills and knowledge.

All participants will need to have passed the standard SAF competence test before earning F&I Accreditation from the IMI.

Alphera Financial Services’ director, Spencer Halil, said: “The backing of Aston Martin Financial Services shows the appetite from manufacturers and dealers for delivering transparent, compliant car finance sales.

“As well as safeguarding the compliant sale of F&I products, industry-recognised F&I accreditation will help Aston Martin dealers build trust and even greater relationships with customers.

“In partnership with the IMI, we see the introduction of F&I accreditation as a significant step towards establishing consistently high standards in the sale of vehicle finance across the industry.”