FPA members came together in 2013.

There is an African proverb, popularised by US politician Hilary Clinton, which says it takes a whole village to raise a child.

Which is an appropriate way to think about how the influence of many can contribute to making a positive impact on the life of one.

In the context of professional financial planning and its journey to adulthood, a similar dynamic is at play.

In other words, a whole village of supporters – a community – has emerged during 2013 to make a positive and enduring impact to a single cause: professionalism.

We’ve had a fair share of setbacks and challenges. And it is true that 2013 was a year for enormous legislative and technical change. We’ve seen reams of legislative paperwork come at us – the commencement of FoFA; a new Coalition government and the TASA initiatives to name a few.

But out of this challenging environment has emerged a renewal of one of the core ingredients that has marked the Financial Planning Association since its inception over two decades ago. And that is the power of collegiate community.

What does this mean? In reality it means volunteers giving up their time to support a worthwhile endeavour. Activating their support, reaching out, offering guidance, time, intellectual property and a duty of care.

In broader terms it means members of our community adhering to a higher-level purpose for the benefit of others. This can manifest in various ways: committee and chapter participation, pro bono efforts, or simply just ‘turning up’ to contribute to the overall carriage of a common goal.

Want proof of this remarkable grass roots movement? The following small list is a reminder (and a note of congratulations) to those who ‘formed a village’ in 2013 to help raise and nurture the fledgling child of professional financial planning in Australia and which has led by example for the rest of the world.

Financial Planning Week

The 13^th annual Financial Planning Week was run during the last week of August 2013 and helped to fundamentally drive home the access and need for quality financial advice amongst Australian consumers.

A major part of this consumer awareness campaign was the ever- popular ‘Ask an Expert’ online service. This enabled members of the public to post questions regarding their finances, on any topic from debt to investments, superannuation to tax.

A volunteer panel of over 70 FPA practitioner members fielded the questions, posted online for the public to view.

Each and every FPA member who volunteered their time to provide free advice to the public should be congratulated for this outstanding effort. There was zero business or commercial incentive involved – simply a shared desire to help make a difference to the lives of others!

Professionals Congress

October 2013 will be remembered as a turning point for the profession. Sydney played host to over 1000 members of a professional community joining together to inaugurate something very different. It was called ‘Your Inaugural Professionals Congress’.  Delegates expressed a genuine feeling of ‘togetherness’ and a tremendous sense of pride in our profession.  There was a real willingness to share ideas and best practice thinking. And it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a shared future, aligned under the common goal to change client’s lives for the better.

The Congress also encouraged a new confidence that financial planning is kicking goals, pulling together and looking to a bright future. A truly professional community.

Best Practice Awards

Want evidence that what financial planners do changes clients’ lives for the better? Look no further than the outstanding submissions to the 2013 FPA Best Practice Awards.

It was quite evident that FPA members embody a higher purpose ideal and, through their professionalism and expert advice, really do make a difference.

Whether through helping a client suffering illness battle their way through a health insurance claim, or enabling a client who wants financial freedom to leave their well-paying, steady job to pursue their passion, the result is the same – an improvement in wellbeing and increased ‘comfort factor’ and happiness.

This is what is important here and a monetary value cannot be placed on it.

Anyone who visits the Sydney office of the FPA will see on the reception wall a piece of artwork. On it are printed (in very fine print as there are 10,000) the names of every member of the FPA ‘village’. Alongside this are the words: “Helping our members change client’s lives for the better.”  It takes a village to raise a child. Congratulations to all who stepped forward in 2013 to offer their contribution.

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The FPA Best Practice Awards recognise professional financial planners who provide superior outcomes for clients in line with the FPA Code of Professional Practice. The FPA Code holds members to high standards of Ethics, Practice Standards and Professional Conduct, in the best interest of clients.

FPA members are invited to submit to three categories:

1. FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional Best Practice Award
2. FPA Financial Planner AFP® Best Practice Award
3. Future2 Community Service Best Practice Award

State / Territory Winners and Runners-Up will be recognised in each award category from NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA, NT and WA. A National Winner will then be selected in each category from the pool of State Winners.

The FPA Best Practice Award is a symbol to Australians looking for advice from someone they can trust.

Pippa Elliot CFP®, winner of the CFP® Professional Best Practice Award 2011 described her experience:

“…I was delighted to be recognised for the work that I submitted, however I’ve also been challenged with new opportunities to mentor others and had the opportunity to participate in regulatory consultations that have opened my eyes to an even bigger picture. I encourage my professional peers to invest in yourself, your business and your profession through the 2012 Best Practice Awards – there is much to gain and give.”

Jim Fenwicke AFP®, winner of the Financial Planner AFP® Best Practice Award 2011 also described how this has assisted in enquiries from prospective clients:

“Winning the FPA Best Practice Award has really given me great confidence that my planning processes are industry best. I have had quite a few enquiries from prospects who have in their research discovered that I was a Best Practice Award winner.”

Michael Smith AFP®, winner of the Financial Planner AFP® Best Practice Award 2011 also described how the award has strengthened client relationships:

“It was great to be recognised by the FPA for the service we provide to our clients. I am certain that it has helped to attract new clients and also cemented relationships even further with existing clients.  As a planner you always strive to do the best you possibly can for your clients, it is very rewarding to have this confirmed by a professional body like the FPA.”

Nominations are also now open for the 2012 FPA Honorary Awards for Distinguished Service and Fellows. These awards honour the work of FPA members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty through:

• working with their local community and charitable organisations
• mentoring young planners and those new to the profession
• working with their local FPA Chapter and FPA committees
• selfless contribution to the profession

The deadline for submissions is Friday, 5 October and winners will be announced as part of the FPA 20th Anniversary celebrations. For more information and to download an entry form, please click here.

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