SMSF-focused AFSL joins AIOFP lobby group
NTAA-aligned AFSL holder SMSF Advisers Network has announced it has joined the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals, gaining access to financial product research services.
SMSF Advisers Network – a financial planning and accounting licensee owned by the National Tax and Accounting Association – will join the AIOFP and sign up to its member-owned Filtered Research Committee under the terms of a memorandum of understanding penned by the two associations in March 2014.
The deal will see authorised representatives of SMSF Advisers Network gain access to approved product list services and research provided by Mercer and Lincoln Indicators, as many move to a full advice provision model following the end to the limited licence.
“We are delighted to further cement our alliance with AIOFP by appointing the Filtered Research Committee to supply our approved list,” said NTAA chief executive Geoff Boxer.
“We believe that one of the most important aspects of the advice process is independence, and the approach of the AIOFP in this area fits well with what both the NTAA and our members expect.”
In addition, NTAA Advice member advocate Phil Osborne will join the FRC board and the SMSF Advisers Network licensee will join the AIOFP as a full member.
“While not all accountants are moving into the full advisory space, the benefit of having the FRC as our research source gives confidence to those who will be offering financial product advice for the first time,” Mr Osborne said.
“Given the product failures of the past, this has been an area of great concern to members and we feel we are providing them with the best solution possible.”