Dante De Gori and 14 other former senior FPA, AFA staff issue open letter

Former chairs, CEOs and presidents of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) have issued an open letter voicing their strong support for the unanimous recommendation of both boards that a merger is in the best interests of members, and of the wider profession. 

The letter, signed by Dante De Gori and 14 other former senior staff, details three of the “most crucial” benefits of the merger, including the creation of a “stronger, united voice” for policy and advocacy efforts to government.

The senior staff also cite a “more efficient use of resources to support membership services”, and a “greater capacity for campaigns to raise awareness of and promote the importance of financial advice” among both Australian consumers and potential new entrants to the profession. 

Referring to it as a “crucial moment in the development of our profession”, the signatories said: “We have the opportunity to create a strong, unified voice that will strengthen and grow our profession, and positively impact the lives and financial wellbeing of Australians every day.”

For the merger to go ahead, 75 per cent of members who vote, need to vote in favour.

Last month, the AFA revealed that the completion date for the proposed merger is scheduled for 3 April.