BT Financial Group (BTFG) has announced it is putting its advisers and leaders through The Ethics Centre’s Ethical Professional Program, with its first 500 due to complete the course by 30 June 2017.
BTFG General Manager, Advice, Mark Spiers said BT has been raising the bar on professional standards over many years. This new program aims to formalise ethical awareness, education and training of our people which will have broader benefits for both our people and our customers.
“As an industry we have to get ethics and behaviour right so we can shape and lift the culture across the advice industry,” Mr Spiers said.
“The Ethical Professional Program is an immersive and transformational education program for financial advisers. It has been incredibly well received by its participants who are now applying what they learn in their professional lives whether it’s being courageous with a manager or changing how they conduct a client meeting. Our congratulations to the BTFG Advice team for prioritising ethics. We applaud their initiative,” said Ed St John, Executive General Manager, The Ethics Centre.
Research shows that there is a known positive correlation between ethics and customer satisfaction.1
“Ethics are our most effective watchdog. The more we talk, think, dissect and practice, the more we see the rewards across business, behaviours and decision making” Mr St John said.
Commenting on the importance of integrating ethics and advice, Mr Spiers added, “This is a strong step towards formalising where the industry is going ahead of the new professional standards due in 2019. Not only will the program support our advisers, but importantly it will help to lift consumer trust in the value of advice and their confidence in financial advice as a noble profession.”
Since early 2016, all new financial advisers at BT have undertaken the Ethical Professional Program.
Advisers and leaders who have completed the program have found it to be valuable and have recognised both the personal and professional benefits of ethical awareness and education.
Cut+PasteJune 7, 20179.13am
