Absa targets youth for financial advisory training

Absa Financial Services, a leading independent financial, investment and risk advisory company, is on a drive to take on young people as candidates for financial advisory training from all over South Africa.

The 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 Development managers. This will allow 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.

Rabbia Sarang, Head of Absa Insurance and Financial Advisory Academy, said: "The training will prepare the select 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.

“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.”

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.

Absa is mindful of the Youth Employment Accord that is at the centre of ensuring youth economic participation in South Africa to address youth unemployment. The skilling of young people in respect of financial advisory is one of the strategic interventions to improving the skills base of young people and give young people work exposure.