Fitzpatricks revamps flagship prof dev program

National high-net-worth specialist advice firm Fitzpatricks has announced an overhaul of its flagship professional development program, Lead Adviser, after a 12-month review.

Previously delivered as an intensive two-day course, the relaunched program has been expanded to include online modules with CPD points attached, as well as online forums and support groups.

The program is currently only available to Fitzpatricks advisers and support staff.

Fitzpatricks said the revamped program would help advisers “increase the value they deliver to clients, more accurately price their services, and build more valuable businesses”.

First rolled out in 2004, the Lead Adviser program remains “central to [Fitzpatrick’s] unique proposition and underpins the group’s service and advice”, it said.

Jasia Fabig, Fitzpatricks general manager of advice partners, recognised the program as a key differentiator for the firm.

“Lead Adviser is more than just an education and training program, it is the advice philosophy and framework that underpins our service and advice, and demonstrates that the way we do things here really resonates with many advisers,” she said.

Fabig added that the program now reflects the increasing complexity of clients’ asset portfolios and accumulated wealth, driven by the strong performance of superannuation and investment portfolios, and rising property prices and inheritances.

“The heart of the program remains the same but we’ve made some enhancements to provide more ongoing training and support. These changes also reflect the growing advice needs and complexity of our clients.”

Fitzpatricks Group chief executive Andrew Fairweather said the firm’s advisers, numbering more than 40, were all committed to undertaking the Lead Adviser program as a core component of their continued learning.

The firm counts 12 offices and more than 2,200 clients across Australia.