Viridian Advisory encourages HSC graduates to shape the future of financial advice

From

Brett Arnol

With HSC results set to be released next week, Viridian Advisory is calling on school leavers to consider an exciting and rewarding career in financial planning. Following a period of transformation, the industry is experiencing surging demand, creating opportunities for fresh talent to step in and help shape its future.

A changing industry presents opportunities for the next generation

Australia’s financial advice industry is at a pivotal moment. As a wave of experienced advisers approach retirement, and demand for advice continues to grow, the need for new talent has never been greater. The profession is poised for a new era, driven by innovation and fresh perspectives, making it an ideal time for HSC graduates to explore financial planning as a career choice.

“The industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, and with an increasing need for financial advice, there’s never been a better time for young talent to join and help shape the future,” said Brett Arnol, Co-Founder and General Manager – Advice at Viridian Financial Group Limited.

Pathways into financial planning: Specialist degrees and traditional routes

HSC graduates interested in financial planning can explore a range of education options to begin their careers. Specialist degrees in financial planning are now offered at many universities, providing focused and practical training for the industry. Alternatively, students can pursue more traditional finance or business-related degrees as a platform to enter the profession, supplementing these with specialist qualifications such as those offered by Kaplan or other industry bodies. These pathways provide the flexibility to tailor their education to their career goals while meeting the profession’s standards.

Viridian’s Professional Year Program offers pathway to success

Viridian Advisory’s Professional Year (PY) program is designed to prepare the next generation of financial advisers with a comprehensive blend of technical training, mentorship, and skill development. The program equips participants to thrive in a profession that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Key features of the program include:

  • Personalised learning paths that accommodate diverse educational and career backgrounds.
  • Mentorship from experienced advisers, offering invaluable guidance and industry insights.
  • Development of critical soft skills such as emotional intelligence, collaboration, and client engagement.

“Our PY program is about more than meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about empowering young people to succeed in a dynamic and evolving industry,” Arnol said.

Seizing the opportunity to drive diversity and inclusion

As part of its commitment to the future of financial advice, Viridian is also focused on addressing challenges like gender imbalance in the profession. Through initiatives such as the FAAA Women in Finance scholarship and partnerships with educational institutions, Viridian is driving diversity to better reflect Australia’s population.

“The industry is evolving, and there’s a growing need for advisers who bring new ideas and diverse perspectives,” said Vega Yan, a Viridian PY graduate and FAAA Professional Year Grant for Women recipient. “Viridian gave me the tools to succeed and contribute meaningfully to this transformation.”

A call to HSC graduates: Shape a career that makes a difference

With HSC results to be announced on 18 December, Viridian Advisory is encouraging school leavers to consider financial planning as a career that offers growth, purpose, and the opportunity to positively impact people’s lives.

“This is a unique moment for young talent to step into an industry on the rise,” Arnol said. “The financial advice sector is ready for the next generation to bring fresh ideas, meet increasing demand, and shape its future for years to come.”

You must be logged in to post or view comments.