FAAA Expands Specialisation Program to Elevate Financial Advice Standards
FAAA Expands Specialisation Program to Elevate Financial Advice Standards
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) is expanding its approved specialisations program, which currently includes areas such as aged care, life risk, and the Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner (FChFP).
The organisation is now seeking applications from education and designation providers to broaden the program's scope.
New areas of interest include estate planning, retirement, money therapy, self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF), and responsible investing, though additional relevant specialisations are also welcome.
This initiative is driven by rising consumer demand for advisors with expert knowledge in specific financial sectors, according to Anne Palmer, FAAA's general manager of education. "We want to support advisers in their ongoing learning and development and help them stay in the profession they’ve worked hard to be part of," Palmer explained. She highlighted that many licensees require advisors to pursue further education to specialise in fields like aged care or SMSF.
FAAA-endorsed specialisations ensure that the educational content meets a high standard and that advisers continue professional development, with a minimum of five hours annually dedicated to staying current in their specialty. Palmer noted that expanding the program would help advisors "distinguish themselves professionally" and collaborate with top-tier educational providers to "raise the standard of advice across the industry."
The initiative aims to make the pathway to high-quality specialist education clearer and more rewarding for advisors, ultimately benefiting consumers seeking expert financial advice. This effort to certify and elevate specialised knowledge both recognises and promotes the value of continuous professional development in the financial advice sector.
As the program broadens, the focus will be on ensuring that financial advisors receive the necessary support to stay informed and proficient in their respective areas. This commitment to education and excellence signals a positive shift in the industry towards enhanced professionalism and client trust.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
A fresh round of lender competition is giving some Australian borrowers a reason to review their debts, but the benefits are not being shared evenly. Canstar reported on 16 July 2026 that 23 lenders have cut at least one variable home loan rate since 1 May, despite the Reserve Bank’s rate hikes in February, March and May. The catch is that these reductions are aimed at new borrowers, or existing customers willing to refinance and effectively become new customers elsewhere. - read more
Australian credit card debt is again moving in the wrong direction, with Canstar’s latest analysis of Reserve Bank of Australia figures showing personal credit card debt accruing interest reached $19.4 billion in May 2026. The increase was $61 million for the month, and while that may look modest beside the national total, it signals a deeper issue for households already stretched by rent, mortgage repayments, groceries, utilities and other everyday costs. - read more
A new Finder survey published on 29 June 2026 has put a spotlight on how stretched many Australian households have become. Finder reported that 38% of Australians, or more than 8.1 million people, expect a tax refund this year. Of those expecting money back, 18% said the refund is critical to their financial wellbeing, equating to about 1.5 million taxpayers. - read more
ASIC’s 24 June 2026 car finance review is a timely warning for Australians who rely on a vehicle for work, family care and essential travel. The regulator examined data from more than 350,000 loans across eight car finance providers and found concerns around third-party distribution, sales practices, fees, hardship support and outcomes after repossession. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia has issued a fresh warning that Australia’s financial system needs to be ready for a more unstable and disruption-prone future. In a 17 June 2026 speech, Assistant Governor Brad Jones pointed to rising geopolitical tension, cyber threats, foreign interference, sanctions risk and pressure on critical payments infrastructure as issues financial institutions can no longer treat as remote concerns. - read more
Managing debt is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial well-being, yet it can often feel like a daunting task. Understanding how debt works and its potential impact on your life is the first step toward gaining control of your finances. In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of debt and outline why a solid financial strategy is essential for effective debt management. - read more
Financial stability is a common aspiration, yet many Australians find themselves weighed down by the burden of debt. Whether it’s due to loans, credit cards, or unexpected financial emergencies, the struggle to stay afloat is a reality for countless individuals striving to achieve their dreams of a secure, debt-free future. - read more
High-interest debt can feel like a relentless cycle for many in Australia, often making it challenging to gain financial ground. Whether it's credit card debt, personal loans, or other forms of borrowing, the compounded interest can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, debt negotiation presents a viable solution for those caught in this dilemma, offering a ray of hope to reduce financial burden. - read more
Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to manage your money. Essentially, it allows you to allocate your income towards expenses, savings, and other financial goals. By keeping track of where your money goes, budgeting helps you ensure that you are not overspending and are prepared for future financial needs. - read more
Welcome to a comprehensive guide aimed at dismantling the common myths that cloud the concepts of debt consolidation and debt reduction. Amidst widespread financial stress, debt consolidation emerges as a popular strategy for Australians in search of relief from their monetary burdens. - read more
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.