SMSF Association and FPA launch SMSF Specialist Advisor pathway

The SMSF Association has joined forces with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) to launch an express pathway for the valued SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA®) designation.

The pathway applies to FPA members holding the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, who will be exempt from completing the nine standard education modules.

Instead, they will receive comprehensive learning materials and have access to optional virtual drop-in sessions after enrolling in the program, as well as being able to sit the on-line SSA exam at a time that suits their schedule. They will also receive a 50 per cent discount on the enrolment fee, saving $990 on the usual cost.

FPA CEO Sarah Abood says this new SSA pathway is a strong recognition of the rigorous training and education already completed by CFP holders. “The SSA designation is highly regarded in the SMSF sector, and this express pathway offers our CFP members who work in this area a cheaper and faster way to be recognised as SMSF Specialist Advisers.”

SMSF Association Deputy CEO / Director of Policy & Education, Peter Burgess, says CFPs doing the program will be able to attend optional on-line technical training and exam preparation sessions with the Association’s technical team, as well as having access to comprehensive SMSF training materials.

“For those providing SMSF advice, the importance of having the necessary competencies to do so, and maintaining those competencies over time, has been highlighted in ASIC’s updated SMSF advice guidance for licensees and advisers.

“The SSA designation provides independent verification of an adviser’s competencies to provide specialist SMSF advice as well as demonstrating their commitment to ongoing personal development in this advice space.”

FPA members enrolling in the SSA program need to join the SMSF Association as an Associate member, if they are not already a member. Their membership status is automatically upgraded to Specialist member status on successfully completing the program.

Find out more about the Certified Financial Planner CFP® Express Pathway to attain the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA®) designation here.