FPA and academics launch research grant program

The grants are designed to support higher education providers offering approved degrees that satisfy requirements for entry to the FPA’s certified financial planner program.

“An approved degree is a requirement for all new practitioner members of the profession, and support for academics in this discipline is recognised as an essential part,” FPA chief executive Mark Rantall said.

“We believe the funding will just be the start of a strong investment in universities by the profession.

“In working together to support the future certified financial planner of Australia, we can ensure that more Australians than ever have access to quality financial advice.”

Initial expressions of interest for the grants will be accepted from November, with a deadline of December 8. Following a two-stage process, the first round will be awarded in March 2014.

The size of individual grants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but initially projects are eligible to receive up to $5,000.

“The grants scheme signals a further deepening of the relationship between the financial planning industry and the higher education sector as we work together to build the financial planning profession of the future,” said FPEC chair associate professor Mark Brimble.

“There are significant benefits for all parties to engage in a program of rigorous, independent and timely research to inform practice and policy development.

“I commend our professional community for the support they have pledged to these grants and encourage my fellow academics to demonstrate its importance by applying for grants.”