Vulnerability, in whatever form it takes, has become a big topic: for advisers, regulators and society at large.

It is no longer brushed under the carpet; people are encouraged to talk about it openly, and this includes advisers trying to assess a client's true situation.

As the Financial Conduct Authority has pointed out, vulnerability can come in many forms - emotional, financial, or relating to health, and can affect any number of people, even those that seem in robust good health.

But moving vulnerability further up the agenda presents its own challenges, and requires a certain set of skills that may not be automatically present with every financial adviser.

Protection policies provide another way to address some people's vulnerability, too. This guide aims to address some of these topics and is worth an indicative 60 minutes' CPD.