PJC recommends FPA's call for enshrinement of "financial planner"

The terms “financial planner / adviser” are one step closer to enshrinement under law following the overnight tabling of a Parliamentary Joint Committee (PJC) report in Canberra. [ Read more ]

FPA welcomes super consistency in Budget 2013

Tonight’s Federal Budget announcement avoided further big ticket superannuation system tinkering - a point welcomed by the Financial Planning Association (FPA). [ Read more ]

FPA welcomes the new face of financial planning

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) welcomes the new faces of financial planning to the professional body after already breaking 1,000 new members in financial year 2012-2013. [ Read more ]

FPA welcomes increased support for all Australians

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has responded to the long awaited Government responses to the Parliamentary Joint Committee (PJC) Trio inquiry and the Richard St John report on Friday. [ Read more ]

FPA responds to Government announcement on super changes

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) welcomes the Government bringing forward their announcement on the changes to the superannuation system. [ Read more ]

Planners continue to seek guidance in preparation for FoFA

"Bulletproof Financial Planning" campaign sees strong response from FPA members. [ Read more ]

FPA: Enshrinement of “Financial Planner”, historic day for Australians

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has welcomed the government’s introduction of the legislation for enshrining the term “Financial Planner/ Adviser” into law today in Australia. [ Read more ]

A letter from FPA Chairman, Matthew Rowe

FPA Chair Matthew Rowe talks about the changes within the profession, and what lies ahead for the coming year. [ Read more ]

Grandfathering must be fair to financial planners and in clients' best interest

FPA responds to Treasury amendments to grandfathering regulations and ASIC guidance on conflicted remuneration. [ Read more ]

FPA welcomes ASIC guidance on Code

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has welcomed the release of ASIC Regulatory Guide on approval of Codes (RG183). [ Read more ]

Ask an Expert Week gives more Australians access to better financial advice

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) today announced an overwhelming response to its inaugural Ask an Expert Week, which it ran nationally between the 21 and 27 January. [ Read more ]

FPA encourages Government to consider the long term outcomes of Federal Budget

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) submission to the federal budget 2013-14 has outlined key recommendations to improve access to financial advice to all Australians, with a focus on the ageing population. [ Read more ]

FoFA compliance listed as a main business challenge

FPA launches ‘Bulletproof Financial Planning’ campaign to support members. Recent research shows that FoFA compliance and cost of regulation are the main challenges for financial planners and financial planning businesses in the current environment. [ Read more ]

FPA community offers support to victims of recent disasters

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has re-launched its pro bono service to provide free financial advice to Australians affected by the recent natural disasters, including the Queensland and Northern NSW floods and bushfires which have wreaked havoc throughout Tasmania, Victoria and NSW. [ Read more ]

Enrolment opens for 2013 CFP^® Certification Program

Expectations high for record new numbers to be set. The Financial Planning Association (FPA) welcomed news from the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) that the global number of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professionals grew by more than 8,000 last year (for an annual growth rate of 5.7 per cent). [ Read more ]

ASIC fee disclosure guidance pragmatic, but work needed to fix costly double-up

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) Chief Executive Officer Mark Rantall has welcomed ASIC's release today of its regulatory guide to the implementation of fee disclosure statements, noting the common sense approach adopted by the regulator for most disclosure obligations from July 1, 2013. [ Read more ]

Ask an Expert Week aims to improve access to financial advice

The Financial Planning Association’s (FPA) inaugural Ask an Expert Week, commencing today, is an opportunity for Australians to get their finances in order at the beginning of a New Year. [ Read more ]

New Year, new Chapter Chairs

To herald the New Year the Financial Planning Association (FPA) is pleased to announce the results of elections held last November and welcome 13 new Chapter Chairs to its ranks alongside 19 returning Chapter Chairs. [ Read more ]

FPA announces 2012 WA Best Practice Award winners, recognising excellence in financial planning

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has announced the WA state winners for its 2012 Best Practice Awards. [ Read more ]

FPA announces 2012 ACT Best Practice Award winner, recognising excellence in financial planning

The Financial Planning Association has announced the ACT winner for its 2012 Best Practice Awards. [ Read more ]

FPA announces 2012 NSW Best Practice Award winners, recognising excellence in financial planning

The Financial Planning Association has announced the New South Wales state winners for its 2012 Best Practice Awards. [ Read more ]

Professional Planner celebrates 20 years of the FPA

The December/January 2013 issue of Professional Planner profiles the FPA. Featuring an in-depth interview with FPA Chair Matthew Rowe CFP^® and FPA CEO Mark Rantall CFP^®, with contributions from Bill Shorten MP and Bernie Ripoll MP. [ Read more ]

FPA Code consultation a resounding success

Financial Planning Association members and key industry participants have offered generous support to the creation of new professional parameters in financial planning by having their say into the future design of the FPA's Code of Professional Practice. [ Read more ]

Enshrinement of "Financial Planner" to provide greater consumer protection

The Financial Planning Association has welcomed the Government's release of the draft legislation for enshrining the term financial planner/adviser in Australia. [ Read more ]

FPA announces 2012 South Australian Best Practice Award winner, recognising excellence in financial planning

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has announced the South Australian state winner for its 2012 Best Practice Awards. [ Read more ]

FPA announces 2012 Tasmanian Best Practice Award winners, recognising excellence in financial planning

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has announced the Tasmanian state winner and runner-up for its 2012 Best Practice Awards. [ Read more ]

FPA recognises Australia's top financial planners

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has recognised the top tier of financial planners in Australia by announcing the national winners of the 2012 Best Practice Awards in Melbourne. [ Read more ]

National financial planning curriculum launched

The Financial Planning Education Council (FPEC) today launched its approved national Accreditation and Curriculum Framework for financial planning degrees, establishing an agreed foundation for qualifications that encompasses and exceeds the regulatory requirement for financial planning education courses in Australia. [ Read more ]

Research shows 'double dividend' benefit of professional advice

Research released today highlights the valuable difference higher standards and an affiliation with a professional association can have on the career of financial planners. [ Read more ]

FPA announces 2012 Queensland Best Practice Award winners, recognising excellence in financial planning

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has announced the Queensland state winners for its 2012 Best Practice Awards. [ Read more ]

Global Win for CFP® Certification

Financial Planning Standards Board adds voice of the global financial planning profession to international standards debate [ Read more ]

Member growth underpins a strong and vibrant FPA

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has today released its Annual Report for 2011/2012, including a number of significant highlights for the professional body. [ Read more ]

FPA launches Code of Professional Practice consultation

Proposed revisions to the Financial Planning Association's (FPA) Code of Professional Practice have been announced to evolve the professional standards of members in line with the Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) reforms and the ASIC’s RG183 - Consultation Paper 191 Future of Financial Advice: Approval of codes of conduct for exemption from opt-in requirement - released earlier today. [ Read more ]

Successful advertising campaign increases consumer awareness for financial planning industry

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is pleased to announce the results of its continuing consumer advertising campaign. [ Read more ]

Financial Planners submit to Best Practice

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has today opened submissions to the prestigious Best Practice Awards and the FPA Honorary Awards 2012. [ Read more ]

Australians eager to find expert financial guidance

The Financial Planning Association's (FPA) Financial Planning Week has proved to be successful in increasing consumer awareness about the positive difference sound financial advice can make, with thousands of consumers accessing the tools available on the new consumer website. [ Read more ]

New brochure promotes better consumer awareness of advice as CFP designation takes hold

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has launched a new plain English guide to simplify the complexities that financial planning can entail for Australians seeking financial advice. [ Read more ]

Industry unites behind Financial Planning Week

Representatives of the financial services industry have united behind the Financial Planning Association’s (FPA) Financial Planning Week. The initiative aims to educate Australians on the importance of financial planning and encourage consumers to visit the Ask an Expert online forum where people can ask qualified trusted financial planners their questions. [ Read more ]

New website to assist Australians to make better financial decisions

To continue helping Australians to make informed financial decisions, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) is proud to unveil a new consumer website, fpadifference.com.au [ Read more ]

Government and opposition welcome Financial Planning Week

On the launch of the 12th annual Financial Planning Week, the Minister and Shadow Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation have found common ground in announcing their support for the Financial Planning Association (FPA) initiative. [ Read more ]

Financial Planning Week aims to improve consumer trust and confidence

Today marks the commencement of the Financial Planning Association’s (FPA) 12th consecutive Financial Planning Week. [ Read more ]

FPA champions Professional Leadership

August and September continues a packed calendar of professional events throughout Australia with a sporting twist. [ Read more ]

Financial Planning Week 2012

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) is proud to celebrate its 12th consecutive Financial Planning Week (FP Week). FP Week is an annual initiative of the FPA and, this year, will take place on 20-26 August. [ Read more ]

CFP Certification opens doors to more opportunities

Enrolment for the second intake of 2012 in the Certified Financial Planner® Certification Program closes on July 13, 2012. [ Read more ]

FPA calls on ASIC for further clarity on national standards

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has responded to the ASIC announcement yesterday on the next phase in its proposal to implement a national exam for financial planners. The FPA is calling for more clarity on the information provided through today’s media release. [ Read more ]

Professional financial planners address change ahead of End of Financial Year

With end of financial year fast approaching, the FPA invited members to share their top tips for financial planners during this busy period. [ Read more ]

FoFA passes through Senate

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) welcomes the clarity provided through the passing of the Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) reforms by the Senate today. [ Read more ]

Trio Capital report demands renewed consumer protection standards by regulators and product manufacturers

Australia’s peak professional financial planning body today acknowledged the sober findings of a joint parliamentary review of the Trio Capital collapse – the largest superannuation fraud in Australia’s history. [ Read more ]

Government tinkers with superannuation at the cost of consumers

Following last night's budget announcement, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) has announced concern that superannuation is being used again as a political tool for government at the cost of consumers. [ Read more ]

FPA launches Fee-for-Service Toolkit and online knowledge hub for members

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has launched a Fee-for-Service toolkit and an online knowledge hub as valuable and useful resources to support members in their practices. [ Read more ]

FPA members call on regulator for clarity on good advice

Practitioner members of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) called on Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for greater clarity and guidance on the definitions and features of good advice at the first FPA Shadow Shopper workshop in Brisbane this morning. [ Read more ]

FPA establishes higher education program in financial services

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FPA challenges financial services industry: "look at advice from the other side"

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FPA is recognised by Tax Practitioners Board

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FPA welcomes FoFA concessions delivering sensible reform for the financial planning profession and consumers

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) welcomes the concessions provided in the Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) reforms passed by Parliament today. They signal a new chapter in the security and protection of the financial well-being of Australians and facilitate the FPA‟s mission to help financial planning evolve into a universally respected profession. [ Read more ]

FPA calls on Government to listen to industry recommendations on FoFA

The FPA today called on government to take industry recommendations into account when debating the FoFA bill in Parliament in the coming days. This announcement follows FPA disappointment in the recommendations outlined in the Senate Economics Committee (SEC) report on FoFA, tabled to the Senate today. [ Read more ]

Implementation of reforms need to be in the best interest of the consumer, says FPA

At the Senate Economics Committee Hearing today, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) announced that they would support a one year transition and implementation timeframe of the FoFA reforms. [ Read more ]

More Australians should have the opportunity to self-fund their retirement, says the FPA

Following the Government’s Tax Forum in October last year, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) will again be the only voice representing the financial planning profession at tomorrow’s first sitting of the newly announced Superannuation Roundtable, chaired by Hon Bill Shorten. [ Read more ]

Peak association encourages a tax deduction of financial advice fees

The FPA submission to the federal budget 2012-13 has outlined key recommendations to improve access to financial advice to all Australians, such as a tax deduction of fees. [ Read more ]

Too much of FoFA 'lost in translation'. Professionalism key to getting reforms back on track, FPA tells parliament

While reiterating broad support of the intent behind the original FoFA reforms, head of peak professional body the Financial Planning Association (FPA), Mark Rantall, today warned the Parliamentary Joint Committee (PJC) examining the latest round of FoFA bill proposals that some of the reforms had lost their way. [ Read more ]

Profession welcomes the next stage in financial planning reforms

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has responded in support of the FoFA Tranche 2 reforms tabled in Parliament this morning, noting the government’s effort to improve the quality and availability of financial advice for all consumers. [ Read more ]

Financial Planning Association welcomes Superannuation Guarantee measures

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) congratulates Parliament on the historic passing of the Superannuation Guarantee Bill today. [ Read more ]

FPA celebrates Best Practice financial planners

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has recognised and awarded five exemplary members for their outstanding commitment to Australians when delivering a higher standard of professional and trusted financial advice. [ Read more ]

Undergraduates building foundations for a strong profession

Just 12 months after unveiling its higher education strategy, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) has announced that over 500 students are now studying undergraduate degrees aligned with the FPA’s CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® program across 17 Australian universities. [ Read more ]

FPA members lead the way in FoFA transition

The Financial Planning Association’s (FPA) 2009 decision to phase out commissions has paid off with new research, launched today at the FPA Conference, showing its members are the most-prepared for the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms. [ Read more ]

Australians engage with professionalism message, members receive a reputation dividend

The FPA’s mission to not only raise professional standards but actively promote its intentions to the Australian public has received independent endorsement with new consumer research confirming the national advertising campaign has struck a chord with its targeted audience. [ Read more ]