Who wants to be the boss?
Monday, September 8th 2003, 6:33AM
Who wants to be the boss?
Monday’s announcement from the Financial Planners and Insurance Advisers Association that it is taking over running training organisation AdviserLink is a clear sign where it wants to be in the industry.
The Government has said some sort of strengthened regulatory regime is coming for financial advisers. It doesn’t want to regulate itself (believe it or not) rather it would see the industry look after itself.
The FPIA, knowing that it won’t be anointed with the same sorts of powers, which have been given to the chartered accountants and lawyers, is strengthening its position as the pre-eminent body in the industry.
What’s also news is that the FPIA has changed its membership rules to be more inclusive.
In the past it has been labelled by some as being zealous in demanding that all its members move down the track towards gaining either a CFP or CLU designation.
Now, in an effort to broaden its appeal and cement itself as the number one body the association has created some new membership categories which aren’t so onerous on members, and mean that experienced advisers can be in the industry and not forced back to school.
As reported last week insurance advisers are pondering whether they should even keep the CLU designation, as there are only about 50 people who have the mark. What’s more there are few who are actually progressing down the CLU education track.
Maybe it’s time to get rid of CLU and get everyone to support the more widely accepted CFP designation? Just a thought?
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