Nick

Pearler, Australia’s leading long-term investing and wealth management platform, has launched a ground-breaking investor forum that will be moderated to allow advisers to give retail investors general advice without breaching guidelines for social media influencers discussing financial products and services.

Titled ‘Pearler Exchange’ this feature has been designed to provide transparent and open forum, where industry experts provide feedback across a wide range of wealth topics.

It is positioning advisers at the centre of the online discussion, without the risks that come with using other forums.

In March, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission issued an information sheet, setting out its expectations for social media influencers discussing financial products and services. It was a warning to finfluencers that they must comply with financial services laws or risk “substantial penalties”, and a call for them to think carefully about their content.

Nick Nicolaides, Co-Founder and CEO of Pearler, says: “The way we share information has changed and if the wealth industry doesn’t adapt, young people lose out. There’s a giant gap between TikTok and traditional advice, and this is a step towards the middle ground.”

Nicolaides says: “We love how social media has helped millions of young people develop an understanding of personal finance. But we know there are pitfalls on any social media platform.

“Pearler Exchange will have in-house professional oversight to protect the interests of those who come to the forum with questions and those with things to share.

“Pearler Exchange does not allow product spruiking, sales or personal advice. We are keeping out the bots and the sales representatives by asking people to set up a Pearler account before they ask a question, and we are verifying the ID or anyone wanting to answer questions.”

A key difference, compared with other forums, is that people offering comments will be “badged” – identified as an “Adviser”, “Investor” or “Pearler” so the audience will know if someone is licensed.

Another key difference is that Pearler Exchange has a rewards scheme. The scheme, Pearler Credit, assigns Reward Credit to posts that attract likes. Credits can be used to reduce fees.

Ben Nash, financial adviser and founder of Pivot Wealth, is one of the financial experts on the Pearler Exchange.

Nash says: “In Australia, awareness of financial issues is increasing but at the same time levels of financial literacy remain low. There is a huge volume of information available online, but there are a lot of mixed messages and hidden agendas that lead to confusion and frustration.

“Consumers are looking for a resource where they can find information from experienced investors and professionals they can trust, and access to an easily accessible and reliable source of this information will help investors make more confident and effective investment choices,” Nash notes.

Nicolaides says: “What attracts investors is our emphasis on helping young investors navigate their wealth journey over the next 20, 30 or 40 years, while giving them the tools to navigate any market environment. We think the Pearler Exchange will be a game changer.”

The post Pearler launches adviser-friendly investor forum appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ben Nash

XY Adviser, an exclusive online community for the financial advice industry, has been named as a finalist in the category of ‘Excellence in Innovation’ for the 2021 Sydney City Business Awards.

The Sydney City Business Awards, held in partnership with the City of Sydney and Business NSW, recognises growth, entrepreneurship and celebrates business success across all industries in the Sydney central business district and surrounding inner-city suburbs.

The Excellence in Innovation Award recognises “a business that has made significant contributions to their industry and/or community, or implemented innovative solutions for new and existing business needs through the introduction or improvement of an idea, method, technology, process or application”.

Founder Clayton Daniel says “Financial advice is simply too important to be done poorly, and we’ve worked extremely hard to provide an environment for the best advisers to share and learn from one another. To be a finalist for this prestigious award is something our whole team is really proud of.”

XY Adviser’s nomination for this award was based on the launch of their professional network for the financial advice industry in January 2020. This exclusive platform allows members to ask honest questions and receive reliable peer answers in a safe and supportive environment. This has seen their professional network becoming the catalyst for advisers to start their own businesses, build their professional network and grow through industry-wide collaboration and idea-sharing.

Peter Tribolet (Foundation Financial Australia), says about the value of being part of XY’s community “The value XY Adviser offers is unparalleled, not just in Australia but globally. Where else can you ask a question and receive replies ranging from some of the most experienced Advisers in the world to the freshest, keenest new entrants with innovative solutions?”

Initially a ‘passion project’, XY Adviser was officially launched as a commercial entity in 2019 by Clayton Daniel, Adrian Patty (Advice Revolution), Ben Nash (Pivot Wealth), Ray Jaramis (Employment Hero), Emily Blanch and Andrew Rocks (Virtual Business Partners). 1 in 6 financial planners in Australia is now part of their private professional network, with members in almost 20 countries. Their financial adviser-oriented ‘XY Podcast’ is the most popular Financial Services podcast in Australia, consistently ranked in the top 15 most popular Business News podcasts in Australia.

In 2020, the success of this innovation allowed XY Adviser to raise capital from 200 advisers and since expand into South Africa and South-East Asia. They have also recently launched two new industry marketplaces; one for recruitment and the other for the buying and selling of financial advice businesses. Shortly they anticipate taking on an additional round of investment to further improve the user experience of their platform.

The post XY Adviser named as finalist in the 2021 Sydney City Business Awards appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ben Nash

As people are increasingly embracing technology, there is no question the financial advice industry will change as we all become accustomed to the new digital normal. To thrive and remain competitive we must continue to innovate and invest in our digital capabilities. I am proud to see how the industry has adapted to meet changing client expectations over the past few months.

The recognition I received from TAL and the AFA through their Excellence in Education Award has encouraged me to continue driving improvements in our industry. Working closely with TAL as part of the AFA Excellence in Education Award has shown me the value they place in supporting advisers through their education journey, and this has equipped me with the tools and resources I need to thrive, particularly in the current environment.

Here are five tips that I would offer to advisers to successfully manage their businesses during changing times.

1. Embrace digital

We have access to a range of digital services; from laptops to smart phones, to secure cloud storage and ways to gain remote access. Technology creates opportunities to provide timely and relevant advice to more Australians – and this can only be a good thing.

Financial advice practices need to continue to embrace technology to meet clients’ shifting digital demands post COVID-19, and make advice more accessible to more Australians for the long-term benefit of clients.

Now is the time to reassess your business operations and strategically focus on creating efficiencies by using more technologically savvy ways to deliver quality advice and strengthen client relationships.

2. Remain available and communicate with your staff

In my experience, communication with your staff is the key to success in remote work environments. We have the digital capacity to do regular check-ins to make sure everyone is working as a collective team. This helps keep people engaged and productive in their work.

Business leaders need to stay in close contact with their team, so they understand that you are available and ‘present’, especially when you’re not physically connected.

3. Keeping in touch with clients is key

We need to be there for our clients. Be approachable and authentic. Working structures may have been impacted, but technology makes it easy to strengthen our relationships with clients.

Although we’d prefer to stand across the table from someone and speak with them in real life, it is no excuse to lose interaction altogether. Use the available tools and technology and do not hesitate to try something new. I would encourage fellow advisers to experiment with various styles of communications to connect with clients in the most relatable way.

For example, organising a virtual catch up or picking up the phone is a productive and meaningful use of time. People will remember a meaningful interaction beyond the backdrop of this time.

4. Create an adaptive work model

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that advisers play a crucial role in helping people take control of their finances.

During such a crisis, when information is inconsistent and people feel high levels of uncertainty, an adaptive working model is invaluable. The younger generations in particular have high expectations of technology, so adapting your client interactions and operating through digital mediums will be quite important as the industry transitions to embrace the new digital normal.

I would encourage all advisers to adapt ways of working according to how their individual clients are responding to the current climate, so they feel safe, secure and well supported to thrive.

5. Remember why we do what we do

For me personally, the most valuable aspect of financial advice is giving people greater confidence in their future.

It is no secret that the financial advice sector is experiencing a period of change and, with recent events, we have a unique opportunity to assure people of their plans and give them confidence in their choices.

As financial advisers, we are in the position to help people feel excited about their financial future – and that in itself is invaluable.

By Ben Nash, Founder and Financial Adviser

The post 5 tips for managing your financial advice practice through changing times appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ben Nash

The  are pleased to announce that Ben Nash of Pivot Wealth is the winner of the 2019 AFA Excellence in Education Award (the Award).

The Award recognises, supports and rewards excellence in financial adviser education and was presented to Ben at the AFA Conference in Adelaide this evening.

CEO Philip Kewin said, “Never before have we seen such a focus on education driven by consumer awareness, regulatory reforms and the collective realisation of the importance of education. Ben has demonstrated a genuine ongoing commitment to education and professional development as a means of improving his value proposition to his clients and the broader community.”

Ben is a financial adviser and the founder of Pivot Wealth. He started Pivot Wealth to help young professionals set up a clear and easy-to-follow game plan for their money. Ben’s focus is to empower his clients to make the best financial choices for them and take action with confidence.

TAL Head of Licensees and Partnerships, Beau Riley, said, “TAL is very pleased to continue to support this Award, and joins with the AFA in congratulating Ben for his dedication to ongoing professional education and development.”

Ben will receive an education scholarship for study with Kaplan to the value of $25,000.

The Award was presented at the AFA Conference in Adelaide last week.

The post AFA and TAL announce 2019 AFA Excellence in Education Award winner appeared first on AdviserVoice.

The Award recognises the transformative power of education in advice, rewarding those advisers who are striving for excellence by improving their professional skills and knowledge.

The finalists are:

• Kearsten James, Cooper Wealth Management
• Joseph Meawad, Trinity Financial Advisers
• Ben Nash, Pivot Wealth
• Nicola Schneider, Robina Financial Solutions

AFA CEO, Philip Kewin said excellence in education inspires greater adviser confidence in their own ability and greater consumer trust in advice. “The past decade has seen an increasing focus on adviser education. This has been driven by consumer awareness, regulatory reform and the collective realisation of the growing importance of professional education in its broadest sense, encompassing not only the acquisition of knowledge, but also the skills, values, beliefs and habits necessary to demonstrate the true value of advice.

TAL Head of Licensees and Partnerships, Beau Riley, said TAL is proud to continue sponsorship of the AFA Excellence in Education Award, which is now in its 12th year.

“TAL has been supporting the industry with the FASEA educational requirements and is proud to partner with the advice community as it takes its first steps on the new educational journey. The finalists of this year’s Award have demonstrated that they have not only committed to their own education, but have taken an active role in their respective communities to share their knowledge and experiences. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at this year’s AFA Conference.”

The 2019 Excellence in Education Award Winner will be announced at this year’s AFA Conference in Adelaide on 29 August. The winner will receive an education scholarship for study with Kaplan to the value of $25,000.

The post AFA and TAL announce 2019 Excellence in Education Award finalists appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Erin Truscott, AFA Rising Star 2016

ANZ and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) has announced the six finalists for the 2017 AFA Rising Star of the Year Award.

Now in its 13th year, the award recognises advisers with a maximum four years’ experience, who have made a valuable contribution during their short time in the industry.

Don Sillar, Head of Sales, ANZ Wealth and Rising Star of the Year award judge, said: “Each year the judges are consistently impressed with this award’s calibre of nominees and 2017 is no exception.

“This year’s finalists have each made a positive impact in this industry through outstanding advice, client service and community engagement.”

Erin Truscott, 2016 AFA Rising Star Award Winner, said “This award is a fantastic platform for young advisers and the development opportunities awarded to this year’s finalists is unprecedented”.

The six finalists will receive a full day Mastering Motivation coaching session exploring tools and techniques that support success in a dynamic industry, before final judging day on 13 September 2017.

The 2017 AFA Rising Star of the Year Award finalists are:

• Andrew Debono – Financial Adviser, Announcer Group
• Karlee Hoog-Antink – Financial Adviser, Elders Financial Planning Mackay
• Keats Brydon – Financial Adviser, Finn Financial Planning
• Lauren Walker – Private Client Adviser, EUROZ Securities Limited
• Mia Taylor – Financial Adviser, Evalesco Financial Services
• Sam Jewell – Financial Adviser, Rising Tide Financial Services

They were selected by a judging panel including:

• Philip Kewin – Chief Executive Officer, Association of Financial Advisers
• Don Sillar – Head of Sales, ANZ Wealth
• Jenny Brown – Founder and Chief Executive Officer, JBS Financial Strategists
• Ben Nash – Financial Adviser and Founder, Pivot Wealth
• Laura Halbert – Head of Marketing, ANZ Wealth
• Chris Browne – Founder & Managing Director, Rising Tide

The winner will be announced at the AFA National Conference, held at the Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from 11-13 October 2017.

The post ANZ and AFA announce finalists for the 2017 Rising Star of the Year award appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ben Nash

The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA)’s premiere event for progressive financial advisers, the Genxt Connect Tour, will kick off in Hobart on 6 February 2017, with some venues almost sold out.

The Genxt Connect Tour sees some of the AFA’s most exceptional advisers and the industry’s most influential leaders tour the six capital cities to share their knowledge and experience with new, aspiring and forward-thinking financial advisers.

“Genxt is all about developing and enhancing the talent we know exists in the current and future generation of our profession,” said Ben Nash, AFA Genxt National Chair. “The Genxt Connect Tour delivers sessions on both the practice and the theory behind the delivery of great advice. It offers advisers the opportunity to hear from successful advisers and from industry experts on topics which will inspire them to build even greater advice practices and deliver exceptional outcomes for their clients.”

Hosted by Mr Nash, the line-up of speakers on advice best-practice includes AFA National President, Marc Bineham; the AFA’s 2016 Excellence in Education Award winner, Steve Nielsen and the AFA’s 2016 Rising Star, Erin Truscott. On the theory side, attendees will hear from Sunsuper Chief Economist, Brian Parker; business performance guru, Michael McQueen from The Nexgen Group; and industry leader and AFA CEO, Brad Fox.

“The program will encourage advisers to adopt practical, innovative solutions to providing great advice. Just as importantly, as a Genxt event, advisers will build networks with other advisers with whom they can share ideas,” Mr Nash said.

The program also includes inspirational speaker, Brian Freeman, Founder of Walking Wounded who scored 4.9 out of 5 at the AFA’s National Adviser Conference in 2016.

“Our members at the National Adviser Conference took so much value away from Brian’s session that we felt compelled to bring him on the Genxt Connect Tour. It’s life changing stuff,” Mr Nash said.

The Genxt Connect Tour kicks off in Hobart on 6 February, and will also visit Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne before wrapping up in Sydney on 16 February.

View the program and to register for the 2017 AFA Genxt Connect Tour.

The post AFA Genxt Connect Tour kicks off appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ben Nash

The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) has launched a new Genxt initiative, the Adviser Peer Pod, ahead of its annual national Genxt Connect Tour.

National Genxt Chair, Ben Nash, said the Adviser Peer Pod, which will be held at 7:30am in major capital cities around the country on 2 February 2017, is designed to help new and aspiring advisers build relationships with others in the Genxt community, in order to grow their networks and build their communication skills.

“The primary objective of the Adviser Peer Pod is to help connect likeminded advisers and equip them with ideas that, potentially, they can take back to implement in their own practices,” he said.

The Adviser Peer Pod will run every four months and advisers will be able to connect and share with their peers while discussing key topics in a relaxed environment over breakfast. Unlike other networking groups, the Adviser Peer Pod will place advisers into small groups and set them a series of questions to discuss.

“The first set of questions will be around the topic of influential communication, a skill critical to success for anyone working in the advice industry,” Mr Nash said. “At this session, advisers will talk through key areas around influential communication and will have the opportunity to learn from their peers.”

The Adviser Peer Pod will be hosted by Genxt State Chairs and is free for AFA members.

More information and registrations.

The post AFA National Genxt Chair, Ben Nash appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ben Nash

XY Adviser, a community of Gen X and Y advisers, is disrupting the current discussion around the future of financial advice by providing a forum for innovation and thought leadership that connects young, like-minded individuals and encourages them to share knowledge and ideas that exceed the results of traditional advice practices.

XY adviser was designed to push industry discussion to a new level by encouraging individual advisers to implement the ideas gained from collaboration with the industry’s best and most innovative influencers, within their own practices.

Ben Nash, adviser at Successful Ways and co-founder of XY Adviser, says now is the time to focus on elevating the discussion of financial advice above industry issues, to the sharing of advice business models that provide value to clients, and which reflect the results of outcomes based advice.

“We hear it all the time, Gen X and Gen Y are the future of advice, so we have decided to build a network to allow those who, like us, want to initiate change, to contribute to the discussion. We are working towards professionalism from the grass roots,” he says. “We are all responsible for the transition of financial advice into a profession. We think it will require everyone to work together in sharing experiences and ideas to make that work, and to also set an example so we are attracting the best of the best into our profession.”

Eleanor Dartnall, the current Association of Financial Advisers Adviser of the Year, will be the guest speaker at the first XY Adviser event this year.

“We are really excited to have Eleanor as a speaker at our first event, especially due to her specific focus on the education process she undertakes with her clients. Eleanor provides innovative, cutting-edge and really personalised advice for her clients, something that aligns with the future of advice as we see it,” Mr Nash says.

Since its inception in 2014, the XY Adviser LinkedIn group now has over 200 members, something the group hopes to increase organically as more advisers hear about the community and feel like their values and vision align.

The post XY Adviser – disrupting the future of advice through collaboration appeared first on AdviserVoice.