‘Record number’ of advisers have graduated from postgraduate qualifications

Kaplan Professional has reported a “record number” of financial advisers who have graduated from postgraduate financial planning qualifications – including a graduate certificate in financial planning, a graduate diploma of financial planning and a master of financial planning - in 2021 and 2020.

The education provider said 1,800 advisers graduated in the last two years (over 3,000 have graduated from Kaplan since 2017), with thousands more reported to be still in the process of completing their qualifications.

Kaplan Professional CEO Brian Knight said he was very proud of the graduated advisers given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic during that time.

“They have achieved their postgraduate financial planning qualifications under challenging circumstances and have been able to successfully overcome any obstacles that may have come their way,” Mr Knight said.

“This is a story that the industry should be celebrating.”

Of those who graduated between 2021 and 2020, 63.3 per cent are male and 36.4 are female. The youngest graduate was confirmed to be 22 and the oldest was 78.

Meanwhile, 66.3 per cent are metropolitan-based and 33.3 per cent are regional-based.

“These advisers have put in dedication, sacrifice and immense hard work for not only themselves and their loved ones, but for the betterment of their clients and profession,” Mr Knight said.

“Over the past two years, we have been delighted to hear the stories of countless advisers who have reached out to us specifically to share their pride in completing their education journey and achieving their goals.

“Many have reflected on how their learning experience has played a substantial role in increasing their confidence as an adviser and further developing client trust and professional recognition.”

Kaplan has also announced it will be launching an ‘Alumni Advantage Program’ in the coming weeks to assist advisers looking to achieve a Master's degree or complete single subjects in specialist areas.

“Whatever advisers want to achieve, we want to do everything we can to support them to continue to achieve their education goals and bolster their credentials.”

Neil Griffiths

Neil is the Deputy Editor of the wealth titles, including ifa and InvestorDaily.

Neil is also the host of the ifa show podcast.