The four new firms are Hale Partnership and Midas Fides in Buckinghamshire, Jessop Financial Planning in Sheffield and Tucana Financial Planning LLP in London.

The new firms bring the total number of Accredited Financial Planning Firms to 44.

Nick Cann, chief executive of the IFP, said: "Since launching the register six months ago, I’m delighted that we have now recognised 44 firms who have met the demanding standards to become IFP Accredited Financial Planning Firms.

"These firms represent the leaders of the profession, demonstrating not only the strongest qualifications credentials but also the ultimate in client service."

David Gunnersen, principal of Midas Fides, said: "This accreditation confirms the position of Midas Fides as a professional Financial Planning firm.

"It should reassure clients, potential new clients, and professional introducers who may wish to refer their clients to my firm for Financial Planning advice of the firm’s bona fides in terms of the qualifications of the adviser and the due diligence followed in conducting lifetime holistic personal Financial Planning, as distinct from ‘single product-sales solutions’ which often masquerade as ‘financial advice’."

Ben Westaway, managing director of Jessop Financial Planning, said: "We are delighted to have become the very first Accredited Financial Planning Firm in Sheffield. We are particularly proud to have met the strict criteria needed to join the high quality firms on the register that we greatly respect."

This April, the IFP also launches its ‘Great Minds Think Alike’ campaign.

This campaign aims to highlight the benefits for consumers of seeking advice from appropriately qualified individuals in Accredited Financial Planning Firms.