- Count Adviser Survey
- Aon Master Trust Insurance Initiative
- Aus Super, OnePath Appointments
- Suncorp Wants Qld to be S.A.F.E.
- MLC Business School Milestone
Count Adviser Survey
69% of advisers say clients are concerned with the independence or non-alignment of their financial adviser, according to a survey conducted by Count Financial (Count).
Lee Tonitto, Senior Executive Business Development and Marketing at Count, said the results “reinforce the value of an independently owned financial planning network like Count.”
The survey canvassed advisers and their clients for their views on the outlook for the new financial year.
It also found that clients were significantly less optimistic about future improvements in financial markets, with only 47% believing an improvement would be seen in the next twelve months, compared with 81% of advisers.
Aon Master Trust Insurance Initiative
Aon has introduced a ‘life stages’ program to help members increase their insurance cover within the Aon Master Trust.
The initiative will allow clients with death and total and permanent disablement insurance to increase their cover at the time of critical life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or taking out one’s first home loan without the need for a health assessment. Members will also be able to take up the offer on every fifth anniversary of their insurance cover.
In addition, the Aon Master Trust has introduced a new short-form product disclosure statement (PDS), in line with the new 8-page guidelines set out by the Government which come into effect from 1 July 2011.
“This is just one of a number of initiatives we are launching to benefit our members and make super easier for them,” said Peter Lewis, Head of Retirement Products at Aon.
Aus Super, OnePath Appointments
AustralianSuper has appointed Louise du Pre-Alba to the newly created role of Head of Policy.
The former ASFA Director of Policy has been brought on by the industry fund to help the group focus on public policy development.
AustralianSuper Chief Executive, Ian Silk, said Ms du Pre-Alba’s role would involve research, analysis and recommendations relating to current and potential public policy developments.
“We are committed to ensuring the members’ voice is paid appropriate attention when policy is being developed, especially when many members may feel they are unable to make a contribution in their own right or that their contribution may not carry much weight,” Mr Silk said.
In other appointment news, ANZ has appointed John Frechtling to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), OnePath and Head of Finance, ANZ Wealth.
Mr Frechtling joins ANZ from BT Financial Group where he held the roles of General Manager Finance and Legal, and CFO.
Suncorp Wants Queenslanders to be S.A.F.E.
Suncorp Life has launched a protection campaign targeting Queenslanders following the recent spate of national disasters.
The initiative, called S.A.F.E. (Special Account for Financial Emergency), encourages consumers to set up a savings account to assist with managing financial pressures ‘when the going gets tough’.
“We plan and have emergency kits to deal with fire, flood and cyclones but statistics show many of us aren’t financially forearmed for the unexpected,” said David Carter, Suncorp Executive General Manager.
He said the funds held in the S.A.F.E. could be used to service loans or debts, pay school fees, buy groceries or rebuild a home or business if the consumer’s ability to earn is impacted.
Suncorp Life is recommending consumers seek financial advice when developing their S.A.F.E. and that they should also consider income protection and life insurance.
“For longer-term serious sickness or injuries that could result in the mortgage holder being unable to work, or worse pass away, income protection and life insurance should be a priority,” Mr Carter said.
MLC Business School Milestone
The MLC Advice Business School is celebrating its first anniversary. The school, which was established to help salaried advisers open their own businesses, has also welcomed its 50th student.
MLC Executive General Manager Advice and Marketing, Richard Nunn, said advisers were increasingly looking for support and guidance when setting up their own business.
“Moving from a salaried channel into self-employment is an exciting time but also brings challenges, even without the changes afoot in the industry,” he said. “New practice principals are already highly competent advisers but there are a range of additional skills and support they need to establish and run their own business.
“The Advice Business School draws on MLC’s knowledge and expertise developed through working with over 450 financial planning businesses,” Nr Nunn said.
He added that there was no requirement for students of the Business School to join an MLC licensee upon graduation from the program.
