MetLife, AFA launch initiative for women advisers

Called the MetLife Progress: Professional Development Grant for Women, the initiative has been created to advocate for greater diversity in the industry, according to a statement.

The inaugural 2019 grant round will offer up to 15 professional development packages, which include a 2019 AFA Conference registration, attendance at AFA events including Masterclasses, and ongoing events along with networking and support from MetLife Australia.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must identify as female, have up to five years’ experience as a financial adviser, planner or paraplanner as at 24 June 2019, and not previously have attended an AFA Conference or have or obtained an AFA membership.

“The AFA has a long history of encouraging women in financial services, including the launch of the AFA Inspire community of practice in 2013, which connects and supports women in the profession,” said AFA chief executive Philip Kewin.

MetLife head of retail sales Matt Lippiatt said financial advice enables people to lead better and more prosperous lives.

“We want financial planning to become the career of choice for high calibre women in Australia, so that the profession can attract and nurture more great talent,” Mr Lippiatt said.

Applications for MetLife Progress are currently open and close on Friday, 12 July.

Adrian Flores

Adrian Flores is a deputy editor at Momentum Media, focusing mainly on banking, wealth management and financial services. He has also written for Public Accountant, Accountants Daily and The CEO Magazine.

You can contact him on [email protected].