Career connect aims to help bring new advisers to the industry as some retire or choose not to adopt updated licensing requirements. In July, the Financial Markets Authority reported that only 663 providers (just over a third) had received or applied for their full licence.
But with the cost of living crisis and inflation impacting many New Zealand households, the need for professional financial advice is arguably more important than ever.
In 2021, research from the Financial Services Council (FSC) found that those who had engaged with a financial adviser had greater peace of mind, control and confidence over their finances, ultimately helping to transform their experience with money.
Fidelity Life Head of Solutions and Services Trecia Brown says without a robust adviser industry, the underinsurance issue in New Zealand will only continue to get worse.
“We choose advisers as a core channel because they deliver better long-term outcomes for our customers. Without more qualified advisers, New Zealanders may miss out on making informed financial decisions, as they won’t have access to professional advice.
“We want to champion the profession and work together to find the next generation of advisers who will help solve the underinsurance issue in New Zealand.”
Perfect for self-motivated people thinking about a career change or interested in working in the financial services sector, Career connect is a six-month part-time programme and can be completed while in full-time employment. Existing adviser businesses will also have the opportunity to register their interest to recruit qualified advisers from the programme.
There will be two intakes a year in February and July, with 20 applicants selected per intake. In addition to the formal Level 5 Certificate and Financial Advice New Zealand (FANZ) ethics course, the programme consists of eight supplementary modules. These include code of conduct and legislation training, lead generation techniques, and personal brand development, with participants only required to cover the hard costs for the formal qualifications.
To help attract new talent to the industry, Fidelity Life will also offer five scholarships per intake, which will cover the costs of the formal qualifications and provide some additional financial support throughout the six-month programme. Recognising that switching careers can be challenging, the scholarships will alleviate some of the financial pressure so candidates can focus on becoming qualified advisers.
“We know many new advisers struggle to last more than 18 months in the industry, so every aspect of Career connect has been carefully curated to fully equip graduates with the qualifications, soft skills, and knowledge to excel as an adviser and match them to businesses that can support them.”
To help kick off Career connect, Fidelity Life will host online career evenings about the programme and provide a comprehensive overview on what it’s like to be a financial adviser. The first of the online career evenings will take place on 18 October and 3 November 2022 for the February 2023 intake.
Advisers and adviser groups are encouraged to get involved, by spreading the word to any prospective candidates, or to register as an adviser business interested in taking on a qualified adviser from the Career connect programme.
For advisers keen to get involved, more information about Fidelity Life’s Career connect programme can be found via https://advisers.fidelitylife.co.nz/support-training/career-connect or by contacting careerconnect@fidelitylife.co.nz
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