AFA to host international adviser group AGM

The Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA) represents over 100,000 financial service professionals from 11 nations in the Asia-Pacific region, a statement from the AFA said.

“This is an auspicious occasion because it is the first time the APFinSA AGM will be held on Australian soil,” said AFA national president Marc Bineham.

“It is our opportunity to show leaders from the APAC advice community first-hand the very high quality of the Australian advice profession and how our focus on higher education, client outcomes and connecting with people is redefining what advisers learn and practice.”

The AGM will see 50 leaders from within the APFinSA organisation descend on Sydney from 29 January until 1 February 2018, the statement said.

AFA general manager, member services, partnerships and campus Nick Hakes, who also serves as vice chair of APFinSA’s International Certification and Standards Board (ICSB), said the organisation looked forward to hosting the event.

“The Australian advice profession and our education pathways are held in the highest esteem by our Asia-Pacific neighbours and we are delighted to host the APFinSA’s 15th annual AGM.”

The ICSB, which oversees APFinSA’s education pathways and certifications, will also meet in Sydney prior to the AGM.

AFA chief executive Phil Kewin recently spoke with ifa regarding Australian adviser education pathways, saying local advisers will need to “work co-operatively as a financial advice sector” to meet the incoming FASEA standards.