FPA and Challenger award retirement planning scholarships

The initiative was announced earlier this year at the FPA National Roadshow, which focused on current regulatory reform and retirement income.

Mark Rantall, FPA chief executive, said the scholarships are one of many initiatives the FPA has undertaken to support FPA members in furthering their education.

"We believe that education and continual learning plays a central role in raising standards in financial planning and achieving the best possible client outcomes," Mr Rantall said. "We are committed to supporting members in all areas, whether it be through comprehensive study support for the CFP certification program, or through our annual program of continued professional development.

"As the Australian population continues to age, it is important that financial planners are equipped to provide the best possible retirement advice."

Paul Rogan, Challenger's chief executive, distribution, marketing and research, said, "This course is purpose-built and the first of its kind for advisers seeking to better serve the needs of Australia's fast-growing retirement segment.

"Retirement advice is increasingly being seen as an area of growth and opportunity requiring specialist advice skills, so continuing professional development for retirement specialists has never been more valuable.

"This trend to retirement advice will continue to be propelled by the uptick in Australians living longer and our ageing population," Mr Rogan said.

The five scholarship recipients are:
Anthony White CFP – KeyPlay Financial Services
Philip Hall CFP – MyState Wealth Management
Mitchell Gallina CFP – BW Financial Advice
Jane Campbell CFP – Aeran
Sharni Tucker CFP – Life Strategies Financial Services

Recipients will be offered the chance to study the course face-to-face in Sydney, or via distance learning.