Guardian partners with AFA



Suncorp-owned dealer group Guardian Financial Planning has formed a partnership with the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA), joining the AFA’s Licensee Partnership Program.
Guardian was previously a principal member of the Financial Planning Association, but has cancelled its membership following the FPA’s recent changes, which allowed only individual financial planners the right to vote.
Guardian executive manager Simon Harris (pictured) said the dealer group was still working with the FPA in the same capacity as with the AFA.
“We just thought that it was the right time to join the AFA, there is obviously significant regulatory change and I don’t think it hurts to have our voice heard in a number of different ways,” Harris said.
“Our partnership with the AFA gives our advisers a stronger voice in the current dynamic and changing regulatory environment,” he added.
Guardian stated the partnership would give the dealer group representation before the Government and regulators on policy issues, the opportunity to work with advisers around the country, and reduced membership fees for Guardian advisers.
The partnership will also ensure that Guardian works collaboratively with the AFA’s Licensee Working Group, Harris said.
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