Leg up given to get more diversity in adviser industry

Fidelity Life Career connect scholarship recipients aim to boost adviser diversity.

Friday, June 7th 2024, 6:00AM

Fidelity Life has announced the recipients of its seven Career connect scholarships for 2024.

Worth up to $5,000 each, the new-to-the-industry adviser training scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from under-represented groups in the financial services sector.

This year’s scholarships include a new Women in Finance scholarship by Kaplan Professional, the Rural scholarship by FMG, and five scholarships sponsored by Fidelity Life.

The seven scholarship recipients have joined 14 other aspiring advisers embarking on their journey towards a Level-5 Certificate in Financial Services and a rewarding career in the financial advice industry.

Fidelity Life chief commercial officer Bronwyn Kirwan has high praise for the recipients. “The calibre of this year’s scholarship applicants was exceptional, making our selection process both challenging and inspiring. Our scholarship recipients demonstrate not just the smarts, but also the soft skills required to become a successful Adviser. Their passion for making a positive impact on their communities is truly commendable."

“Our Advice for good research highlights the critical role professional advice plays in improving the financial and emotional wellbeing of New Zealanders, and it’s exciting to meet such a dedicated and diverse group ready to take on this mission.”

Of this year’s 21-strong Career connect intake, 95% are women, and 24% come from Māori or Pasifika communities.

The 2024 Career connect scholarship recipients:

Pounamu scholarship – for an outstanding Māori applicant: Awhina Scott- Scott is dedicated to improving the financial (and overall) wellbeing of Māori communities through better access to quality financial advice.

Kōwhai scholarship – for an exceptional Pasifika applicant: Jenny Silva - Silva is passionate about empowering others to make informed financial decisions and contributing to the future financial stability of individuals and families within Pasifika communities.

Rural scholarship - Grace McIntyre - Coming from a rural community herself, McIntyre is passionate about raising awareness of the importance of advice and insurance in safeguarding rural livelihoods.

FMG supports the rural scholarship. Chief client officer Glenn Croasdale said, "With many of New Zealand’s rural communities facing challenges, access to good financial advice remains important. The more support we can provide our farmers and growers to help boost their financial resilience, the better”.

Women in Finance scholarship - Anna Devereux - With a background in finance, Devereux understands the need for people to receive advice from someone they trust. She looks forward to helping more New Zealanders achieve financial literacy and security.

Kaplan Professional chief executive Brian Knight says, “We are thrilled to be able to support Anna with what we hope will be the first of many Women in Finance scholarships through Career connect.”

Paua scholarship – for applicants who demonstrate excellence: Marna Breetzke - Breetzke is passionate about helping others and looks forward to being able to educate more New Zealanders on the importance of financial advice.

Toe Toe scholarship – for outstanding young applicants: Sydnee Taylor – Taylor's background in the health and fitness industry ignited her passion for enhancing others' wellbeing and building strong relationships. She hopes to now leverage these skills to help others make informed financial decisions, resulting in financial wellbeing and security.

Rangi Po scholarship – for underrepresented identities in our industry: Taylah Marr – Passionate about supporting others, Marr wants to help more New Zealanders get ahead financially and gain peace of mind over their financial futures.

Tags: Fidelity Life