Locally owned insurers Fidelity Life and Farmers’ Mutual Group (FMG) are deepening their strategic alliance, with FMG adding two new rural adviser scholarships to Fidelity Life’s financial adviser skills and training programme, Career connect.
The two new FMG scholarships mean there are now a total of seven Career connect scholarships available, in addition to regular places on the programme.
The ‘Rural scholarship brought to you by FMG’ aims to encourage New Zealanders living in rural regions to consider a purpose-led career as a financial adviser. The scholarships will cover the cost of the formal qualifications needed to practice as a financial adviser under the new regulatory regime which came into effect last week.
FMG’s Chief Client Officer Glenn Croasdale says fostering new talent in the financial advice industry is important for the wider financial services sector.
“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,” says Glenn.
Fidelity Life Solutions Manager Sarah-may Butterfield welcomes FMG’s investment in Career connect.
“The industry has been crying out for fresh talent for some time, and as the latest figures from the FMA show, the industry has contracted by around 2,200 advisers following the start of full licensing, so the time is 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.”
Applications for the July 2023 Career connect intake are open now, including five Fidelity Life scholarships to be awarded to outstanding applicants from groups under-represented within the financial services sector including Māori, Pasifika and women.
More information on the Career connect programme, including what to expect in becoming a qualified financial adviser, will be showcased at the Career connect online career evening on 4 April 2023.
To register and for more information on Career connect, including how to apply for the range of scholarships on offer, contact careerconnect@fidelitylife.co.nz or visit fidelitylife.co.nz/our-story/career-connect/
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FMG media contact: Ben Christie - 027 1800 2497 - ben.christie@fmg.co.nz
