Advice firm partners with ASA to ‘strengthen financial literacy’

Through this partnership with the not-for-profit shareholder association, new and existing clients of Wattle Partners will be granted complimentary Australian Shareholders’ Association (ASA) membership, giving them access to resources to aid in building their financial knowledge.

Such resources include investor education programs, community events and advocacy initiatives that “champion investor rights and financial literacy”.

Wattle principal Drew Meredith said this partnership further supports the firm’s goals of building its clients’ financial literacy.

“We are always looking for a way to educate our clients, and by forming this partnership with the ASA, our clients will receive the best investment resources and education,” Meredith said.

In addition to this, the ASA has launched a financial adviser directory, creating pathways for partnership between advisers and the association in each state, giving ASA members the opportunity to benefit from the support of an adviser.

ASA chief executive Rachel Waterhouse said the partnership and the launch of the directory will allow the association to continue its work of boosting Australia’s financial literacy skills.

“This first-of-its-kind partnership with Wattle and launching the ASA financial advisers directory panel enables us to reach a broader audience, giving more Australians the resources they need to navigate the financial landscape and make empowered investment decisions,” Waterhouse said.

According to the advice firm, eligible advisers will contribute to the broader financial literacy objectives of the ASA by providing educational content such as articles, podcasts and conference presentations, in addition to supporting ASA members.

In order to facilitate this, Wattle principal Jamie Nemtsas has agreed to introduce potential adviser directory candidates to the ASA and consult on the selection committee to help make decisions on new additions.

“The advisers will exemplify professionalism, show ethical leadership and a commitment to financial literacy in Australia. The advisers will cater to the diverse needs of ASA members, ranging from those in the wealth accumulation phase to retirees and high-net-worth investors,” Wattle said.

“This initiative underscores ASA’s dedication to fostering collaboration and delivering tailored resources that elevate the financial capabilities of its members and the wider community.”

This announcement is the latest step in the advice firm’s ongoing relationship with the ASA following the merger of the Australian Investors Association (AIA) with ASA in November 2023, at which time Nemtsas was the acting chair of the AIA.