The Count Financial Risk Academy launched in November 2020 and was aimed at supporting Count Financial’s national network of advisers to upskill at delivering risk insurance advice to clients. It has focused on different topics such as underwriting, claims, taxation, business insurance and succession planning.

Andrew Kennedy, Chief Advice Officer at Count Financial, said the award was recognition for a program built around helping advisers to deliver positive client outcomes.

“We are delighted that our Risk Academy, run in partnership with MetLife Australia, has won this award. Throughout the program, we received sensational feedback from our advisers that the content was providing great value. With more Australians needing access to quality advice, this program has helped build the capabilities of our advisers to address the insurance needs of their clients. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership with MetLife Australia in the future.”

Michael Mulholland, MetLife’s Chief Distribution Officer, echoed Mr Kennedy’s comments and said the award was fantastic acknowledgement for an innovative approach to adviser training needs.

“We know how important it is that advisers get the support they need in order to serve their clients. With an increased demand for advice following the pandemic, the Risk Academy program is timely and relevant for improving the capability of advisers in the network. Along with Count Financial, we’re also pleased that the Risk Academy has been recognised with this award.”

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Michael Mulholland

Sunsuper and the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) have announced the launch of a national advice referral program that is set to benefit many of the Fund’s 1.2 million members by connecting them with FPA Professional Practices right across the country.

Sunsuper’s Executive General Manager, Growth and Advice Michael Mulholland said the Fund had entered the arrangement with the FPA in order to give its members greater access to a national network of highly qualified financial planners.

He said the partnership would see the Fund develop direct relationships with a number of FPA Professional Practices who shared the Sunsuper philosophy of always acting in members’ best interests and would complement the in-house financial advice service already offered by the Fund.

“We have long recognised the importance of financial advice in making a real and positive difference to the size of members’ retirement nest eggs,” Mr Mulholland said.

“We also know that members have distinct advice needs at different stages of their lives and that these can best be accommodated through a face-to-face meeting with an adviser who can develop a plan that accounts for their full financial position.

“We have our own in-house team of advisers based in Brisbane, Sydney and regional Queensland, but as part of the new arrangement, we will be looking to work with FPA Certified Financial Planners over a much wider geographic base who will advise and act in the best interests of our members.”

FPA CEO Mark Rantall articulated the importance of the partnership, which is the second of its kind for the FPA.

“After the successful launch of our first referral program this year, we are pleased to have entered into an additional partnership with Sunsuper. Each partnership brings us one step closer to the FPA vision that through our members, we stand with Australians for a better financial future,” said Mr Rantall.

He said the new collaboration would ensure that many more Australians have access to high quality advice from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^®.

The FPA will undertake an Expression of Interest process to all FPA Professional Practices, to support Sunsuper in connecting its members with quality financial advice. The first referrals are expected to start from January.

In conclusion, Mr Rantall acknowledged that super funds were realising the importance of offering a whole of wealth solution for members and see the referral program as an answer to this.

“Super funds are acknowledging that providing members with access to trusted financial advice is a key factor in ensuring that they can live the retirement they want and deserve.”

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