September 29, 2023


The Monetary Planning Affiliation of Australian (FPA) has wrapped up its first in-person Professionals Congress in three years, with over 1,200 delegates attending the 2 day occasion in Sydney final week (22 and 23 November).

Below the theme, ‘Reunite, Reset’, the FPA Professionals Congress hosted a variety of periods designed to assist members higher perceive the problems going through the occupation in addition to present sensible instruments and knowledge enabling them to work extra carefully with shoppers and perceive their altering wants.  It additionally celebrated the FPA’s 30th anniversary.

Sarah Abood, CEO of the FPA, stated the most typical suggestions from members was that they have been delighted to be again collectively after so lengthy.

“At my first Congress as CEO, it was fantastic to really feel the power from having so many members in a single room, and expertise first-hand the passion and keenness for the occupation that they share.  I’ve attended many smaller member occasions since I joined the FPA however this was very particular.”

Ms Abood stated that a lot of the suggestions from members made particular point out of the keynote presentation by Skilled Andrew Scott from London Enterprise College, which seemed on the implications of a lifespan of 100 years turning into the norm.

“Loads of monetary planners are grappling with the challenges – and the alternatives – that growing longevity creates of their work with their shoppers, financially in addition to from a well being and wellbeing perspective.

“One other session that generated a excessive stage of curiosity was with Michelle Levy, chair of the High quality of Recommendation assessment, which triggered dialogue in regards to the factors she raised together with how the regulation governing monetary planners wants to vary, and the function of ‘basic recommendation’.

“In all probability essentially the most contentious proposal amongst planners has been the concept product issuers would be capable of present easy private recommendation in some circumstances.  It has been encouraging to listen to Michelle acknowledge this concern, and the issues of economic planners, and search to handle it within the assessment.

“We’re very supportive of the various modifications proposed that may simplify the supply of recommendation and scale back the pointless purple tape and duplicated compliance that at present bogs us all down. It’s encouraging to listen to that these proposals stay and are more likely to be included within the last paper.”

Ms Abood additionally congratulated Marisa Broome, former chair of the FPA, who was made a life member of the Affiliation on the Congress.

“Marisa has been a driving power of the FPA for a few years, and her recognition as a life member may be very well-deserved.

“She was additionally an integral a part of the Congress’s organisation, and its success, and on behalf of the FPA, I thank Marisa for all her onerous work.”

The 2023 FPA Professionals Congress shall be held in Adelaide on 22-24 November.  The FPA can be planning various regional roadshows throughout Australia in Could 2023.