Mark Rantall – CEO – FPA
New figures released by the Financial Planning Association (FPA) shows that the number of Australians seeking financial advice is significantly increasing.
Over 26,000 Australians used the Find a Planner directory on the FPA website last month (February), a 76% increase to January this year and a 41% increase in comparison to February 2012.
The FPA launched the Find a Planner tool on their website in 2011 as a method of improving access to financial advice for all Australians.
Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA said:
“Research proves that Australians who receive qualified financial advice are financially better off than those without. However, only 1 in 5 Australians currently receive financial advice – this is a national issue. The FPA is intent on increasing the access of qualified advice to improve the financial futures of all Australians and the Find a Planner tool is our way of providing Australians with a safe environment to take the first step towards seeking advice.”
The Find a Planner directory provides consumers with access to more than 7,500 FPA practitioner members based around the country. Australians enter their postcode and the directory provides a list of qualified financial planners in the area to choose from.
“The increasing number of those seeking advice, is a sign that consumers are looking for the opportunity to find trusted and qualified financial advice from someone in their local area. We continue to support our members in providing profiles on the FPA site so that they are accessible to their communities,” said Rantall.
The FPA also launched Ask an Expert, a platform for consumers to ask questions of qualified financial planners via the website or twitter using #AskanExpert.
“Ask an Expert is a great success story originally set up as an opportunity for those who have never received financial advice to dip their toe in the water and experience the benefits of receiving financial advice without the cost.
“The popularity of Ask an Expert increases every year. Ask an Expert week this year (21-27 January) saw over 2,000 views to the site and the entire campaign had a reach of nearly 19,000.”