Accountants offered another AFSL option


Accountants do not want to ‘go back to school' to secure an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) to continue to provide advice to clients with self-managed superannuation funds, and are looking for alternative solutions ahead of the removal of the accountants' exemption, FPT Wealth believes.
Offering another option to securing their own AFSL, FPT Wealth director, Tony Bates, said the company would enable accountants to outsource the delivery of high-end financial advice to FPT WealthBox, without having to undergo RG 146 education.
"FPT WealthBox is a credible answer for accountants who do not wish to become licensed planners, but want to retain their key client relationships," he said.
Bates said the appointment of former president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia, and founding director of Smithink, David Smith, as chairman of the business, would boost uptake of the service.
"David has had a long and distinguished career working with the accounting industry, including a partner role at PKF (now BDO)," he said.
"As our limited licensing solution for accountants, FPT WealthBox, gains further traction, we believe David's extensive experience and leadership will assist greatly with our growth and continuing market penetration."
Recommended for you
ASIC has released the results of its first adviser exam to be held in 2025, with 241 candidates attempting the test.
Quarterly Wealth Data analysis has uncovered positive improvements in financial adviser numbers compared with losses in the prior corresponding period.
Holding portfolios that are too complex or personalised can be a detractor for acquirers of financial advice firms as they require too much effort to maintain post-acquisition.
As the financial advice profession continues to wait on further DBFO legislation, industry commentators have encouraged advisers to act now in driving practice efficiency.