Farmers’ Mutual Group (FMG) has added two new rural adviser scholarships to Fidelity Life’s financial adviser skills and training program, Career connect. The partnership between the locally owned insurers aims to encourage New Zealanders who are living in rural regions to consider a career within the financial advisory sector.
The scholarships will cover the cost of formal qualifications that are needed to be a licensed financial adviser under the new regulatory regime, which officially came into effect last week.
With the new rural adviser grants, Career connect now has a total of seven scholarships available. Fidelity Life recently opened applications for the second batch of the program until May 12.
FMG chief client officer Glenn Croasdale (pictured left) said that it is very important for the financial services sector to foster new talent. These two new scholarships are aimed at making a career within the industry more attainable and attractive.
“We’re excited to be supporting two up and coming rural advisers through Fidelity Life’s Career connect programme. With many of New Zealand’s rural communities facing challenges, the need for good financial advice becomes ever more important. The more support we can provide our farmers and growers to help boost their financial resilience, the better,” Croasdale said.
Highlighting the industry’s need for fresh talent, Fidelity Life solutions manager Sarah-may Butterfield (pictured right) said that the sector has contracted by around 2,200 advisers following the start of full licensing, making the timing just right.
“Career connect is all about attracting new talent to a career that’s purpose-led, dynamic and enables you to help your community, and we’re thrilled FMG shares our vision for the programme. Their two new rural scholarships are the perfect complement to our existing scholarships which aim to boost diversity in New Zealand’s advice industry,” Butterfield said.
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