AMP partners Salvos in pro-bono advice pilot
AMP has launched a six-month pro bono financial advice pilot program in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in conjunction with the Salvation Army.
The AMP Pro Bono Advice program comprises 12 self-employed AMP financial planners from Sydney, Newcastle and Canberra, all who have offered to donate their own time and resources to the pilot.
Financial advice will be offered to recipients of various Salvation Army services, including MoneyCare Financial Counselling and Northside Women’s Service.
Planners will assist recipients with decisions relating to compensation payments, insurance claims, gaining access to superannuation under hardship provisions and maximising social security entitlements.
AMP director of financial planning, advice and services Steven Helmich said advice will be made available when the “financial situation of a recipient is beyond the remit of the Salvation Army counselling services”.
“The Salvation Army will then make a referral to a participating AMP financial planner, according to their location, area of specialisation and capacity.
“It is expected that a planner will spend up to 12 hours providing the initial advice, which involves interviewing the recipient, developing an appropriate strategy and documenting their recommendations,” he said.
Recommended for you
There could be changes ahead for how ASIC requires licensees to handle conflicts of interest as the corporate regulator announces it will be meeting key stakeholders next year to update guidance.
Proper recordkeeping has been described as the “mortar between the bricks” of the advice process and critical to an FSCP decision as an adviser is suspended for failures in this area.
As investors increasingly seek to embed ESG considerations in their portfolios, a specialist adviser has offered tips for financial planners who may feel overwhelmed in tackling these complex topics with clients.
Global investment consultancy bfinance is expanding into offering services for wealth managers as they seek advanced investment strategies for their clients.