Guardian partners with AFA
Suncorp-owned dealer group Guardian Financial Planning has formed a partnership with the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA), joining the AFA’s Licensee Partnership Program.
Guardian was previously a principal member of the Financial Planning Association, but has cancelled its membership following the FPA’s recent changes, which allowed only individual financial planners the right to vote.
Guardian executive manager Simon Harris (pictured) said the dealer group was still working with the FPA in the same capacity as with the AFA.
“We just thought that it was the right time to join the AFA, there is obviously significant regulatory change and I don’t think it hurts to have our voice heard in a number of different ways,” Harris said.
“Our partnership with the AFA gives our advisers a stronger voice in the current dynamic and changing regulatory environment,” he added.
Guardian stated the partnership would give the dealer group representation before the Government and regulators on policy issues, the opportunity to work with advisers around the country, and reduced membership fees for Guardian advisers.
The partnership will also ensure that Guardian works collaboratively with the AFA’s Licensee Working Group, Harris said.
Recommended for you
A former Brisbane financial adviser has been charged with 26 counts of dishonest conduct regarding a failure to disclose he would receive substantial commission payments for investments.
Inefficient data processes and systems mean advisers are spending over half of their time on product implementation and administration at the expense of clients, according to research.
With the regulator announcing its enforcement focus for 2025 last week, law firm Hall & Wilcox examines the areas which have dropped down the list in priority for the regulator.
South Australian financial advice and accounting business Perks has extended its paid parental leave program from 12 to 26 weeks, putting it on par with big four firms.
