Premium Adviser Membership (Certified Financial Strategist)

The AIOFP board feels there is currently a unique set of market circumstances to differentiate our members. By demonstrating leadership with the inevitable transition into a new era of fee for service advice and highlighting our new approach to research capability, consumers and key contacts will be attracted to our value proposition.

The Filtered Research Committee (FRC) and the Certified Financial Strategist (CFS) designation are in response to member requests for the AIOFP to have its own designation, generate new client opportunities, mitigate PI costs and present a solution and a real alternative to the failed retail research culture.

AIOFP members have around 2500 advisers nationally, each having varying degrees of competency, experience and fee structures. In order for us to deal with the ASX and others we need to segment our advisers into those who are prepared to operate on a fee for service basis, be appropriately qualified and experienced, have filtered research facilities and be experienced with ASX products. We have no choice but to find a segmentation strategy to satisfy ASX (indirectly ASIC), Industry Funds and corporate concerns.

Eligibility Criteria to be a Premium Adviser and Certified Financial Strategist

1. adviser must work on a fee for service basis with no commission/trail payments received from product manufacturers
2. adviser must work for an independently owned practice to ensure there are no conflicts of interest or product bias
3. adviser must be educated on ASX and Industry Fund strategies and products to ensure they know the entire market offerings
4. adviser must be appropriately qualified and experienced (3 years/min. DFP)
5. adviser must subscribe to the AIOFP Filtered Research Committee or similar compliance and research system
6. adviser should use Midwinter| financial advice software or equivalent technology

In addition to these minimum requirements the Association carefully reviews the reputation and trading records of all members. Your business structure will need to be passed by our independent auditor, Clive Perring, Director of International Centre for Financial Services, a division of the University of Adelaide.

Click here to view the directory of premium advisers or if you would like more information please contact AIOFP.