Adviser Qualifications Surge as 2026 Deadline Approaches

1

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.

Kaplan Professional, a leading provider of finance education, is playing a crucial role in this transition. Brian Knight, the CEO of Kaplan Professional, highlighted the importance of their institution in accommodating the growing number of aspirants seeking postgraduate qualifications. “We will carry the bulk of responsibility in fulfilling the education needs of Australia’s advisers before the deadline,” Knight stated.

Currently, Kaplan has around 2,500 students enrolled across six study periods, with additional enrollments expected as the deadline nears. In a remarkable surge, a course set to begin in December is seeing enrollment numbers soar to approximately 1,600 participants, while another course starting on January 13 boasts 500 students, which is an unprecedented fivefold increase compared to typical figures.

Knight noted, “Enrolments have steadily increased throughout 2023, and each study period has seen higher participation than its predecessor.” The imminent consequences that advisers face for failing to meet qualification standards are severe, driving many to prioritize their education efforts. “Our team is fully committed to assisting these students through this critical period,” he added.

To aid advisers in complying with the new regulations, Kaplan offers a variety of courses, including Masters, Graduate Diplomas, and Graduate Certificates in Financial Planning, as well as bridging courses approved by the Financial Advisor Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) successor.

Over the past five years, the financial education landscape has transformed, with around 12,000 advisers successfully obtaining higher educational qualifications, marking a significant achievement within the industry.

Feedback from academics like Ron McIver from South Australia highlights shifts in enrollment patterns following the introduction of the ten-year experienced adviser pathway in 2023. This pathway has provided advisors with extensive professional experience, a way to remain in practice without needing additional qualifications. McIver explained, “While the enforcement of education standards was initially expected to boost demand for postgraduate courses temporarily, it appears the impact has been more nuanced.”

McIver’s analysis suggests that the implementation of the experience pathway significantly lessened the urgency for current advisers to pursue further education. He elaborated, “The reduction in demand stems largely from changes made regarding the pathways available to experienced advisers, coupled with new visa regulations affecting international recruitment.”

The regulatory environment remains in flux, with ongoing reviews from the Treasury and Ministerial offices regarding the necessary curriculum and access pathways to financial planning programs. “We’re seeing a more discerning approach to evaluating these programs, leading some institutions to contemplate discontinuing their offerings,” McIver cautioned.

Despite these challenges, McIver remains optimistic that the inherent value of a financial planning career will inspire future students: “The potential to serve the community and improve financial wellbeing for Australians must maintain a base level of interest in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.”

Overall, as the advisory landscape shifts towards higher educational standards, the commitment from both educators and students highlights the industry’s dedication to professional excellence. (Source: Professional Planner)

Published:Tuesday, 14th Jan 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know

03 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at curbing potential risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap limiting the proportion of new home loans with high debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. This move is designed to promote responsible lending practices and ensure the stability of the financial system. - read more

ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices

03 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released preliminary insights from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering concerning trends that necessitate immediate attention from both lenders and consumers. - read more

AADA's Latest Report Signals Cooling Trends in Australia's Used Car Market

03 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the 2024 Year That Was Automotive Insights Report (AIR), providing a comprehensive analysis of the used car market's performance and offering projections for the year ahead. - read more

MONEYME's Strategic Move: $455 Million Boost for Autopay's Growth

25 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development within Australia's auto finance sector, non-bank lender MONEYME has successfully priced a $455.4 million asset-backed securitisation (ABS) for its secured car loan product, Autopay. This transaction marks the company's second major auto bond deal, following a $517.5 million transaction earlier in the financial year, underscoring MONEYME's rapid expansion and growing influence in the market. - read more

Anticipated Tightening of Car Loan Practices Following ASIC's Review

25 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently unveiled findings from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, highlighting concerning trends that are likely to prompt a tightening of lending practices across the industry. The review revealed that nearly half of all consumers who defaulted on their car finance repayments did so within the first six months of the loan term. - read more

ANZ Bank's $160 Million Fine Highlights Regulatory Compliance Failures

09 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a landmark decision, ANZ Bank has agreed to pay a record-breaking A$240 million (approximately US$160 million) fine for a series of serious regulatory breaches. This penalty underscores the growing emphasis on compliance and accountability within Australia's financial sector. - read more

ASIC's Comprehensive Review of Australia's Motor Vehicle Finance Sector

01 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced a thorough review of the motor vehicle finance sector, focusing on strengthening consumer protections and ensuring industry compliance with responsible lending obligations. This initiative aims to address potential risks and improve the experiences of borrowers across Australia. - read more

Click for more Finance News