Absa champions financial advisory training

Absa Financial Services, a leading independent financial, investment and risk advisory company, has handpicked 60 Trainee Financial Advisers from all over South Africa to bolster its superior customer-focused financial solutions.

Absa Financial Services, a leading independent financial, investment and risk advisory company, has handpicked 60 Trainee Financial Advisers from all over South Africa to bolster its superior customer-focused financial solutions.

Aspirant Financial Advisers will join the Absa Adviser Academy in Johannesburg, where they will embark on a rigorous programme that includes hands on coaching and mentoring by experienced Absa Development managers.

This allows the Trainee Financial Adviser to develop the skills needed to assume the responsibilities expected of a competent Financial Adviser, while ensuring that they comply with the Fit and Proper requirements of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act.

Izak Smit, Managing Executive for Absa Distribution, said: "The training will prepare the handpicked individuals to provide informed financial services advice to existing and potential customers and with it boost the culture of saving and investment in our country. The academy presents us with an opportunity to grow our pool of talent from grassroots level to meet the deficiency of critical skills in the financial services sector."

South Africa has a shortage of Financial Advisers with extensive financial planning skills, knowledge and industry experience. In the wake of the financial crisis, scrutiny has intensified on financial advisers to serve the needs of customers in a responsible manner.

Smit said: “We want our employees to achieve their ambitions in the correct way and make a meaningful contribution to the organisation and our customers. It is through interventions like these, that we can be the Go-To bank in Africa.”

Sean Mofokeng, a graduate from the Academy who is now placed at the Krugersdorp branch, said: “The training programme was excellent covering foundations on financial planning and legal and technical training. I am now empowered and confident to be functional and professional as a financial planner.

Another graduate Denine van Heerden, who is based at the Cresta branch, said “I learnt a lot and gained much knowledge from the programme. I am now able to apply my knowledge in my daily work. I can collaborate with my colleagues to derive business leads. The programme exposed me to the highest ethical standards required in this profession.”

“It is evident that the Absa Adviser Academy has grown into a centre of excellence, producing professional industry leading financial advisers, who can render appropriate advice to customers. The future looks bright for the academy as it will have another intake in July 2013,” concludes Smit.

Established in 2010, the Adviser Academy has educated 90 Trainee Financial Advisers, providing young, talented and motivated graduates with an exclusive opportunity to catapult themselves into a rewarding career as a financial Planner.