TAL unveils ‘evolved’ Risk Academy program

TAL has announced the 2024 course program for TAL Risk Academy, its education platform for advisers, professional year candidates, and support staff.

New to the course this year is the “working with TAL” stream, which will cover elements from product design and pricing to applications and claims.

Noting that collaboration plays a “key role” in fostering strong partnerships, the firm said that the introduction of its newest stream has been designed in response to adviser demand.

Aside from “working with TAL”, there are four other streams – foundations, professional year, advice, and business management.

In explaining the aim of the Risk Academy program, TAL’s general manager of retail sales and new business, Beau Riley, said that empowering advisers creates a “better advice industry for us all”.

“Our 2024 program offers tailored courses, ensuring that no matter where advisers are in their career, they have access to education and knowledge that can elevate their expertise,” Mr Riley said.

“Our course streams have evolved this year to reflect the changing role of financial advice, and all courses will continue to be modified to meet evolving adviser needs as the year progresses.”

Specifically, the life insurer has increased its focus on the development of new entrants to the profession and is looking to equip advisers with the tools that will allow them to navigate the evolving risk management landscape in Australia.

“Ultimately, this will help their clients manage risks and ensure they are protected should the unexpected happen,” Mr Riley said.

He further confirmed that brand agnostic training is now available as part of the program and has invited advisers and licensees to give their feedback on these functions.

Moreover, guest speakers this year will include Financial Advice Association Australia chief executive officer Sarah Abood, Australian Financial Complaints Authority ombudsman Alexandra Sidoti, and GPA Financial Services managing director Jason Poole, in addition to TAL’s technical team.

Mr Riley commented: “We prioritise partnering with the speakers who understand the challenges and opportunities in the advice profession. They play an invaluable role in creating a comprehensive program that supports the financial advice community.

“By blending industry insights, business management and technical expertise, we want to support our advisers to deliver better outcomes for their clients and their business,” he concluded.

According to the insurer, TAL Risk Academy has recorded some 100,000 course enrolments and issued more than 183,000 CPD hours since its inception in 2015.