AFS launches adviser club

Australian Financial Services (AFS) is claiming a first for a dealer group, by set-ting up an initiative aimed at filling the gap between a planner’s technical prowess and the day to day running of a successful business.

Australian Financial Services (AFS) is claiming a first for a dealer group, by set-ting up an initiative aimed at filling the gap between a planner’s technical prowess and the day to day running of a successful business.

The 21st Century Advisers Club will provide training for AFS paraplanners (and those relatively new to the financial services industry) which isn’t covered by DFP subjects. According to AFS spokesperson Steve Griffin, the club will focus on de-veloping business management, marketing and communication skills.

“The DFP doesn’t teach you any of that,” Griffin says. “If planners can’t sell their plans, they’ll starve.”

In March this year, a two day conference will be held for members. Three one day training days will be held throughout 2000. Griffin says the group is still working on the agenda for the training days.

However, while he describes the initiative as being part of the group’s commitment to “providing back office value add-ons” for its 90 proper authority holders, it will come at a cost. Would-be members will have to come up with a $1500 one-off fee which will show their commitment to the scheme, Griffin says.