Members flock to FPA roadshows amid changes
Changes around retirement planning and superannuation reform in the 2016 Federal Budget have prompted financial planners to flock to the Financial Planning Association's (FPA) roadshows, with professional education standards and aged care also at the top of their minds.
FPA chief executive, Dante De Gori, said members had welcomed the more flexible timelines introduced in the education reforms, where exam requirements would start on 1 January 2019, existing advisers would have until 2024 to reach degree-equivalent status, and until 1 January, 2021 to pass the exam.
He said the updated education and professional standards had been at the forefront of financial planners' minds, which was introduced by Assistant Treasurer, Kelly O'Dwyer, in April.
"Our members have responded positively to the more flexible timelines afforded to existing advisers to meet new standards and the decision that they can continue practising without a bachelor's degree," De Gori said.
"They now eagerly await details to be developed by the education body and the FPA will support them throughout this process."
The super reforms were driving planners to review client files and re-think approaches for pre-retiree clients, as they reconsidered their objectives and goals in super.
Over 2,100 planners had registered for the roadshows, which began in the final week of April. The roadshows will run until July and will visit financial planners in the capital cities.
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