Global jitters highlight value of advice: AFA
The current global financial jitters highlight the value of financial advice, as clients lean on advisers to guide them through difficult times, according to Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) president, Brad Fox.
Fox called on the industry for calm, and to focus on clients and the fundamentals.
“When everyone around the world is losing their heads, the role of advisers is critical; they are the guides and coaches providing a steady hand, a cool head and wise counsel that keeps clients on their financial journey – despite the turmoil in markets,” Fox said.
The AFA chief executive officer Richard Klipin agreed, saying the market scare also illustrated why opt-in was “poor policy”.
“In a world where opt-in exists, consumers will be left out in the cold at times like these,” Klipin said, adding the antidote to opt-in was to strengthen opt-out in financial services guides, statements of advice, annual statements and correspondence with clients.
Recommended for you
Professional services group AZ NGA has made its first acquisition since announcing a $240 million strategic partnership with US manager Oaktree Capital Management in September.
As Insignia Financial looks to bolster its two financial advice businesses, Shadforth and Bridges, CEO Scott Hartley describes to Money Management how the firm will achieve these strategic growth plans.
Centrepoint Alliance says it is “just getting started” as it looks to drive growth via expanding all three streams of advisers within the business.
AFCA’s latest statistics have shed light on which of the major licensees recorded the most consumer complaints in the last financial year.