Re-emergence of a risk community

Over the past 20 years, the differences between the various strands and traditions within financial planning have diminished, as governments seek to liaise with the industry as a whole and associations seek greater membership numbers as their reliance on corporate sponsors dwindles.

Once a vibrant and outspoken sector of the small business community, in more recent years ‘riskies’ have been somewhat looked down upon by their investment adviser cousins, leading many to rebrand as “holistic financial planners” and play down their risk expertise.

However, as the terms ‘financial planner’ and ‘financial adviser’ get hammered by the mainstream press and consumers ask more questions about adviser qualifications and business models, many advisers are re-embracing their risk specialisation.

Australia’s underinsurance problem is only getting worse and as baby boomers retire, the role of professional, expert insurance advice has never been more important.

Sterling Publishing believes the golden years for risk specialist advisers are still ahead of us and has launched this new digital hub, Risk Adviser, to cater to this important business community.

Following the example of our market-leading titles such as ifa, SMSF Adviser and AccountantsDaily, this website and its associated e-newsletters will serve not just as a provider of high-level business information, research and relevant news, but as an advocate for the risk advice community and its objective of raising the number of Australians with adequate protection.

We will be a media ally to hard-working risk advisers across the country as they navigate this difficult business and political climate, but we also will need help from you, the readers.

We are always on the look out for practising advisers, principals, consultants and executives to contribute thought leadership, whether it be opinion articles, news about their business or just a ripper yarn about a client experience.

To become part of the Risk Adviser community and contribute regular columns or news please email me at [email protected].

Aleks Vickovich is editor of Risk Adviser. He was named Editor of the Year (Business) at the Publishers Australia Excellence Awards 2014.