The market for IFA's is considerable at the moment, largely down to the fact that most of the high street banks removed their face to face financial planning for mass market customers when the RDR came in, too much risk for compensation in the future for mis-selling etc, so the costs vs return on equity was seen as pointless for some of the big banks, although some have started to return now.
There are some larger firms, for example St James' Place (plenty of others out there too), who have a good network of self employed IFA's who all work under their brand, so there is potential out there for new advisers to enter the market but with the backing of an established name.
Where you say you work in financial services already in non-reg advice, can you be more specific? Depending on your experience would depend on the route you could take (and who you currently work for). I agree with The Abyss that paraplanning would be an excellent start for you to "learn" the job. You will earn a reasonable above national average income and most company's who take on a paraplanner do so expecting that they will move onto advising.
It's not just about passing an exam. Also you really need to understand what you are letting yourself in for with all the exams - They are not at all easy and require A LOT of dedication from you in your own time. That will mean the support of your wife/husband/partner if applicable, you giving up a lot of your leisure activity. Its not something you can just do for an hour or two a night and expect to pass.
Grimm - On what basis do you say "It's not a good idea" - You didn't qualify your two pence with any kind of justification? Now is an excellent time for such a career, given the massive gap the banks left in the mass affluent market and the fact that all the baby boomers are now getting to a point where their mortgages are paid off and they have the retirement cash and need IHT planning. LOADS of opportunity out there at the moment.
