Fidelity Life and FMG look for new rural adviser talent

Filling the adviser gap created by new licensing laws.

Friday, March 31st 2023, 10:32AM

Fidelity Life and Farmers’ Mutual Group (FMG) are deepening their strategic alliance, with FMG adding two new rural adviser scholarships to Fidelity Life’s financial adviser skills and training programme, Career connect.

The two new FMG scholarships mean there are now a total of seven Career connect scholarships available, in addition to regular places on the programme.

The ‘Rural scholarship brought to you by FMG’ aims to encourage New Zealanders living in rural regions to consider a purpose-led career as a financial adviser. The scholarships will cover the cost of the formal qualifications needed to practice as a financial adviser under the new regulatory regime which came into effect last week.

FMG chief client officer Glenn Croasdale says fostering new talent in the financial advice industry is important for the wider financial services sector.

“We’re excited to be supporting two up and coming rural advisers through Fidelity Life’s Career connect programme. With many of New Zealand’s rural communities facing challenges, the need for good financial advice becomes ever more important. The more support we can provide our farmers and growers to help boost their financial resilience, the better,” says Glenn.

Fidelity Life solutions manager Sarah-may Butterfield says the industry has been crying out for fresh talent for some time.

"The latest figures from the FMA show, the industry has contracted by around 2,200 advisers following the start of full licensing, so the time is right."

“Career connect is all about attracting new talent to a career that’s purpose-led, dynamic and enables you to help your community, and we’re thrilled FMG shares our vision for the programme. Their two new rural scholarships are the perfect complement to our existing scholarships which aim to boost diversity in New Zealand’s advice industry.”

Applications for the July 2023 Career connect intake are open now, including five Fidelity Life scholarships to be awarded to outstanding applicants from groups under-represented within the financial services sector including Māori, Pasifika and women.

Tags: Fidelity Life