Christine Swanson

The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) has appointed Christine Swanson, Director of Prominent Financial Services, as Chair of its AFA Inspire initiative.

Launched last year by the AFA, AFA Inspire plays a vital role in connecting women in financial advice.

AFA President and former Chair of AFA Inspire, Deborah Kent, said Ms Swanson shares the AFA’s commitment to celebrating women in the financial advice profession and providing them with the guidance and support they need to succeed professionally and personally.

“We are delighted that Christine has been appointed Chair and we know she will continue to build on what is already the leading initiative for women in the advice profession,” Ms Kent said. “Under Christine’s stewardship, AFA Inspire will continue to nurture a community of individuals who are passionate about empowering more women to establish and develop their careers as a financial adviser or as a support role to the delivery of financial advice.”

Ms Kent said Ms Swanson has been part of AFA Inspire since it’s inception. She is a founding member of the national Inspire team representing South Australia and a Finalist in the 2012 AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award.

“Christine has already made a wonderful contribution to the South Australia AFA Inspire initiative, running regular breakfast events which have opened up valuable networking and professional development opportunities,” she said. “She will now be leading the AFA Inspire team at a national level to deliver more networking, coaching, mentoring, leadership and personal growth opportunities.”

AFA Inspire is part of the AFA’s Communities of Practice that also includes GenXt (for newer advisers) and Leaders Forum (for experienced advisers and practice owners). The Communities of Practice brings professional development opportunities to members of the AFA relevant to their personal circumstances.

The launch of AFA Inspire in WA is scheduled for 26 November 2014, with the 2014 AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award winner Kate McCallum sharing her experiences. The launch will complete the six state roll-out of AFA Inspire which began in May 2013.

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Deborah Kent

The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) Inspire (AFA Inspire) initiative is throwing its support behind International Women’s Day this weekend in order to encourage women in the wider community to seek financial advice for a more secure financial future.

AFA Inspire Chair, Deborah Kent, said the International Women’s Day theme Inspiring Change holds a very special place for the women involved with AFA Inspire as it fits with AFA Inspire’s goal to bring about change in the world of financial advice. “Statistics remind us that women generally have less in retirement savings than their male counterparts and this, coupled with our longevity, is a recipe for financial stress in later life.”

Ms Kent said AFA Inspire is encouraging women to review their plans for retirement now, even if it is still many years away.  “We have seen female financial advisers, like those on the AFA Inspire Committee, who have shown tremendous leadership in developing their financial advice offering,” she said. “They are educating women that retirement is about more than just the numbers. It is about ensuring they are educated about their financial future.”

Members of the AFA Inspire National Committee will be attending local events on Saturday, and are encouraging other advisers to do the same – to celebrate the achievements of women and their ability to take control their financial security, provide for themselves and their families and prepare for their future retirement.

The AFA Inspire initiative was launched last year to connect women in advice, to pave the way for women in the financial services industry and beyond by encouraging more women to choose financial advice as a career path and to encourage more women to take control of their financial future.

To show your support and to find an event near you visit the International Women’s Day website and visit the AFA Inspire LinkedIn page.

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