Over 1,800 advisers have graduated from postgraduate qualifications in 2020 and 2021, according to Kaplan Professional, a record for the industry.
The record includes those graduating with Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and Master of Financial Planning qualifications, bringing the total number of Kaplan Professional postgrad qualifications to 3,000 since 2017.
Of note, the youngest graduate was 22 years old and the oldest was 78, 63.6% were male and 36.4% were female while 66.3% were metropolitan based, 33.3% were based in regions and 0.4% were overseas.
Kaplan Professional chief executive, Brian Knight, said he was incredibly proud of the graduates’ achievements and that they were setting a positive example to follow.
“These advisers have put in dedication, sacrifice and immense hard work for not only themselves and their loved ones, but for the betterment of their clients and profession,” he said.
“Over the past two years, we have been delighted to hear the stories of countless advisers who have reached out to us specifically to share their pride in completing their education journey and achieving their goals.
“Many have reflected on how their learning experience has played a substantial role in increasing their confidence as an adviser and further developing client trust and professional recognition.”
Commenting on the news, Count Financial chief advice officer, Andrew Kennedy, said his licensee was committed to the ongoing professionalism of its adviser network and the financial advice industry more broadly.
“It is important that we work with partners that share similar values to us and play a strategic role in enhancing adviser education,” he said.
“As a licensee, creating positive client outcomes is essential, so we invest heavily in the learning and development of our advisers to ensure more Australians can access quality advice.
Industry Fund Services (IFS) head of technical services and advice enablement, Craig Sankey, said his licensee had been quick to recognise the importance of professional study for both individual advisers and for the industry as a whole.
“IFS has encouraged and supported advisers to study not only to ensure they meet minimum legislated education requirements but in order to enhance their skills specific to financial planning.
“We are pleased to report that the uptake of study by our licensed advisers with Kaplan Professional has been tremendous, especially considering many had not studied for a long time, and we are already in a position where over two thirds of our advisers have completed their education journey,” he said.
