Accountants told to dive into advice pool



Count Financial has issued a new promotional pack telling accountants about the benefits of moving further into the financial advice space.
The Count material, being shared on social media such as Linkedin, draws on Investment Trends data to argue that in the minds of clients, accountants are best placed to provide financial advice.
It then points to the size of the so-called "advice pool" and points out that 20 per cent of clients need retirement advice, 28 per cent need advice on pension and estate planning, and that 57 per cent of self managed superannuation funds (SMSF) have advice gaps.
It noted Investment Trends data suggesting that 48 per cent of SMSF clients would consider using their accountant for investment advice, and that 54 per cent of clients would pay for advice.
The Count Financial material comes at the same time as recent Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) data points to slower than expected take-up of the new accountants limited licensing regime.
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