TAL releases 2016 Risk Academy program

In a statement, general manager of TAL’s retail distribution Niall McConville said the insurer has made the decision to “invest heavily” in adviser education in order to “support the professionalism of the industry”.

“This year we are introducing a new education stream focused on client engagement. This program will help advisers grow their businesses using modern sales and marketing tools. This is aimed at helping advisers to thrive in an ever-changing landscape,” Mr McConville said.

The academy also has five new courses, including a LinkedIn master class presented in partnership with LinkedIn, and two social media webinars, TAL said.

Launched in 2015, the insurer said the Risk Academy has over 4,000 advisers registered for courses throughout the year.

“We are proud to have delivered such a comprehensive program last year that benefited a large portion of the advice community,” Mr McConville said.

“TAL has demonstrated its commitment and focus on the professionalism of the industry, and given the intensified focus on education this year, our aim is to lead the industry in delivering relevant professional development,” he said.

TAL said it has also donated $25,000 to the Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) Scholarship Foundation from the nominal registration fee paid by advisers participating in the Risk Academy Master Class Program in 2015.

The ABCN Scholarship Foundation provides financial and mentoring scholarships to students facing economic, family or social challenges that impact their study.

"We're pleased to partner with the ABCN to support student learning and development as part of our commitment to education and making a real difference in the community," Mr McConville said.