Financial advice enrolments surging: Kaplan

"At the end of August, there was almost a 30 per cent increase in financial services enrolments compared to this time last year and a 20 per cent increase on the previous month,” Kaplan said in a statement.

“The data also suggests higher education is being embraced with over 1,000 students enrolled in the Master of Financial Planning – a 42 per cent increase compared to August 2015.

“Seventy per cent of students enrolled in financial services courses already have a bachelor’s degree and 36 per cent are female,” the statement added.

According to Kaplan Professional chief executive Brian Knight, “The figures speak for themselves … advisers are not waiting to be told to upgrade their education … it shows there is a commitment from advisers … they are willing to upskill and take action now to stay ahead of the curve.

“They are taking pride in the growth of their profession and are not deterred by the proposed legislation,” he said.