FPA accredits ETF courses as part of professional development program
The Financial Planning Association has accredited courses in exchange traded funds (ETFs) as part of its continuing professional development program. The program was developed by ETF provider iShares Australia.
“More and more intermediaries are recommending ETFs to their clients. And, as awareness of ETFs grows among Australian investors, there is greater need for intermediaries to be well informed [about] the benefits of ETFs and how they can be used in their clients' portfolios,” said co-head of iShares Australia Tim Bradbury.
The first two training modules are about the basics and liquidity of ETFs. iShares will release more training modules in the next few months.
According to a statement from the group, while there has not been any new information released on future courses, they were likely to include information on international trading and tax issues.
“Demand here in Australia has risen noticeably in the past 12 months as familiarity has increased, and we are confident ETF trading will continue to increase consistent with trends worldwide,” Bradbury said.
Inflows into ETFs were $215 billion in 2008. ETF assets are expected to grow to US$2 trillion within two years.
Recommended for you
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.
New Zealand’s financial regulator is following the footsteps of its Tasman neighbours and proposing to conduct a review on improving the accessibility of financial advice and advice business models.