Dealer services model picks up first accountancy practice seeking AFSL
Dealer group Libertas Financial Planning has expanded its dealer services model to accountants requiring an Australian Financial Services licence (AFSL) from July 2016 and signed its first accountancy practice to the service.
Libertas director Mark Euvrard stated Sydney based accountancy practice Eagle Financial had signed up for Libertas 'build-your-own-dealer-group’ service, established by service providers My Dealer Services (MDS) and Libertas Solutions in September 2013.
Currently, Libertas has 30 advisers operating as authorised representatives under its AFSL with the expansion seeking to include accountants who wish to obtain their own AFSL through My Dealer Services, join Libertas as a full financial planner or join Libertas as a provider of SMSF advice only.
Euvrard said Libertas was positioned to provide an easier option to what he foresees as a complicated and likely rushed process for accountants to meet ASICs requirements.
“History tells us there will be a rush at the eleventh hour as July 1, 2016 approaches, so we have positioned Libertas now and are promoting a special offer for those accounting practices that wish to provide SMSF advice and position their businesses well in advance of the forthcoming deadline”.
Libertas has also signed with with Mentor Education to offer bridging courses to accountants seeking ASIC accredited RG416 qualification.
“Mentor’s Accountant’s Bridging Course will be particularly attractive to accountants seeking ASIC accredited RG146 qualification as it provides recognition of prior learning and the study can be undertaken on online or in a classroom over eight days”, said Euvrard.
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