FPA and ING DIRECT announce National Advice Partnership


The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and ING DIRECT today announced the launch of a pilot national advice referral program that will connect ING DIRECT Living Super customers with FPA Professional Practices across the country.

The nine-month pilot commences next month and will be available to ING DIRECT Living Super customers who have asked for comprehensive financial advice from a CFP® professional within an FPA Professional Practice.

Tim Hewson, National Partnership Manager, Residential and Wealth, ING DIRECT, said the partnership is launching at a time when retirement planning is increasingly on the radar for all Australians.

“In recent years we’ve seen an uptick in super consolidation and switching and increased demand for transparency and control. Australians want to get ahead with their super, which aligns with our proposition about helping our customers to get ahead through value, fairness and transparency.

“We see professional, independent, face-to-face financial advice as increasingly important to our customers in preparing for retirement, and we’re delighted to be able to offer this service as more Australians take up Living Super.”

Mark Rantall, FPA CEO, said he is delighted with the partnership the FPA has developed with a major retail fund.

“The ING DIRECT partnership agreement has been modelled on the successful Cbus advice referral program and will help the FPA open more pathways to connect Australians to quality financial advice.

“I am very happy that we have been able to reach this agreement with ING DIRECT as it strengthens our ties with the superannuation sector and brings us one step closer to achieving the FPA’s vision that through our members, we stand with Australians for a better financial future.”

The cost of the first FPA adviser consultation will be at no cost for Living Super customers. Only a limited number of places for FPA Professional Practices will be available in the pilot stage. Initial participation in the pilot referral program will be limited, based on geographic requirements.