The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has called on universities and other education providers across Australia to work with planning professionals in developing subjects and degree programs in light of the professional standards and timeframes announced by Minister Kelly O’Dwyer in April this year.
Working with the Financial Planning Education Council (FPEC), the FPA has been travelling around the nation to work with universities in implementing the curriculum reforms ahead of the deadlines of 1st January 2019 for new financial planners, and 1st January 2024 for planners currently practising.
FPA CEO, Dante De Gori, CFP® said the FPA is thrilled with the positive response of many Universities who have put forward Bachelor and Masters Degrees to be approved by FPEC.
“The FPA is committed to working with universities to develop degree programs based on the FPEC curriculum. This means working with universities to develop flexible programs that will meet the diverse needs of new entrants and transitioning planners. The positive response we’ve received from universities across Australia so far is testament to the growth and importance of financial planning as a profession in this country,” said Mr De Gori.
However, Mr De Gori said some states were lagging behind in developing programs for current and aspiring financial planners.
“There are currently no degrees or financial planning subjects offered in Tasmania, South Australia or Western Australia. In light of this, FPA representatives will continue to work with FPEC on the development of accredited courses across all states and territories, in order to meet the needs of planners everywhere,” said Mr De Gori.
FPEC Chair, Dr Mark Brimble, said the implementation of new standards would help to strengthen the financial planning profession.
“FPEC has been working to raise the standards of financial planning education for the past five years, at the same time as highlighting to students the benefits of planning as a career. By providing organisations and individuals with flexible options to meet the new education standards, we can further enhance the already high standards in the financial planning profession,” said Dr Brimble.