News

Following the recent devastating bushfires which affected much of New South Wales, thirty-two financial planners have offered their services on a pro bono basis to help local residents to move forward. The FPA is encouraging those affected by the bushfires to take advantage of its pro bono service and take an objective assessment of their financial situation to work out what their immediate financial priorities are in the wake of the disaster. Specifically, planners can help people look into their insurances and options for short-term cash flow to help them get through the next few months. Neil Kendall, a director of

In a submission to the Senate Economics Committee inquiry into the performance of ASIC, the FPA has recommended several measures to improve the efficacy of the regulatory body Some of the key recommendations in the FPA submission include: Improved design and clarity on ASIC’s operations and key responsibilities Defined key performance indicators to more effectively measure performance Greater co-regulation and cooperation between the regulator and professional bodies Development of criteria to define and establish what is an accepted professional body An increased role in regulation of ‘gatekeepers’, including product providers and research houses. Dante De Gori, General Manager of Policy

Technical education and self-development emerged as core professional development principles for financial planners at the FPA Inaugural Professionals Congress. The event, which took place in Sydney on 17 and 18 October, welcomed over 1,000 financial planning professionals from around Australia. The program was designed to develop planners from an educational and professional development perspective, based specifically on needs identified by FPA members. The Congress included sessions on the technical aspects of advice as well as on Leadership, Best Practice and Personal Development. CEO of the FPA, Mark Rantall said, “Financial planning has undergone significant changes, in both a regulatory and

The FPA today announced that Platinum Asset Management (Platinum), together with the Neilson Foundation will offer a scholarship to undergraduate students majoring in financial planning as part of their degree. The scholarships will be offered through five Australian universities; Deakin, LaTrobe, Canberra, Western Sydney and Wollongong, and will commence at the beginning of the 2014 academic year. The scholarships offered will be for approximately 20 students annually at $15,000 per student. Platinum will also offer prizes for outstanding academic achievement. In order to be considered, a student must be studying full time and major in financial planning. The scholarship will

The FPA has struck a landmark agreement to promote a stronger relationship with Australia’s industry superannuation sector via a pilot professional referral service with the Construction and Building Industry Superannuation Fund (Cbus). The pilot arrangement culminates months of collaboration between Cbus and the FPA. It means that FPA Professional Practices that meet select professional and geographic location criteria, may accept referrals of eligible Cbus members seeking professional financial planning services. David Atkin, Cbus CEO said: “The pilot referral service aims high: allowing Cbus members access to professional financial planning services delivered by a CFP® practitioner operating within an FPA Professional

The Financial Planning Association of Australia has today reported a surplus of $1,413,047 for the 2012/13 financial year. Net assets increased to $7,339,794. Liquid assets stood at $15,020,341. The 2012/13 result was achieved on the back of prudent expense management and a record increase in membership across all categories. Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA said: “We are pleased with the strong financial performance of the FPA and the fact we are on a firm footing for future growth. Equally, we welcome the strong and steady gains in our membership numbers. Planners are voting with their feet. “The numbers give

The FPA has today recognised some of the profession’s top financial planners in Australia through their Best Practice Awards. The annual Awards recognise Australia’s best financial planners who deliver exceptional qualified and trusted financial advice using the highest standard of ethics, practice standards and professional conduct in the country. CEO of the FPA, Mark Rantall, said that the Best Practice Awards also serve as an important symbol of excellence for consumers seeking qualified financial advice. “These awards recognise the best of the best. FPA members comply with some of the highest financial planning standards on a global stage. These Award

With a new Ministerial line-up announced today by the recently elected Abbott federal Government, Australia’s peak financial planning body the FPA has welcomed the announced Ministry and reaffirmed its long-running advocacy in support of better financial futures for all Australians. “The FPA has a proud history dealing sensibly with all sides of politics to achieve equitable and pragmatic policy outcomes designed to support more Australians seeking improved financial outcomes. Our objective is always to continually raise the bar on behalf of all Australians, leading them to a greater number of highly qualified, professional financial planners operating within the construct of