In a couple of weeks, we close another year and commence a new decade. 2019 has been a year of mixed emotions, hard work, challenges and uncertainty. During this time, I’ve seen many of you navigate the year with incredible resilience and optimism (in amongst the frustration). Joe Burke recently asked me “how do I do it?” (my day job). It’s an interesting question. At times I wonder what possesses me to lead an AFSL at a time of such dislocation, and then I get a call from Phil Clinton checking in to see how I am, or I’m having a laugh about the state of the nation with Paul Beauchamp, or I’m sitting across the table from Diarmid Mackiehan and he’s telling me stories about his experiences. Then I know why, its because being in that moment, with any one of you keeps my passion for advice alive. A lively discourse with Alan Giumelli reminds me to ‘not sweat the small stuff’, ‘solving the problems of the world’ with Anthea Fordham or Naomi Alletson (over champagne) validates we’re not alone. Spending time with or Paul Giordano, Rachel O’Connor, Troy Scott, Mal Greentree, Alex Ilievksi and Chris Charalambous shows me the future of advice is in very safe hands. And when I need voices of reason or good judgement, there’s always Brian Lomas and John Francis. However, its more than this, watching the insurance working group help advisers get their clients insured, stand up for what’s right and lead the way on how insurance advice needs to be provided sets a standard our industry should aspire to (especially after you’ve read one of Troy Edmonson’s emails). The collaboration of the Advice Process Working group, who openly debate and discuss the tools and resources we need to make access to advice easier is a strength lacking in other communities. I could list a moment with every one of you during this year that substantiates how powerful and special our community is, and how fortunate we are as a group.

Effective 1 January 2020, the Code of Ethics will be the ‘North Star’ for all advisers. As a licensee, our responsibility is to guide and support you to adhere to this principles based edict. Whilst there is no clear guidance (the Code was never meant to be black letter law) on how to implement or administer the twelve standards, the ethos of best interest duty and better position for a client remains our fiduciary responsibility. Therefore, when you’re not quite sure which decision or direction to take, call us and we will assist. Additionally, throughout the year we will host webinars and training sessions as a continual learning pathway to embedding the Code into normal operating practice and client engagement.

The first quarter of 2020 will be busy, alongside the rebrand to Sargon Adviser Services, you will see an evolution of the governance and business support we provide to support your business. We are already using technology for file reviews and soon you’ll be able to see reports on the effectiveness and quality of the advice you provide. Last week, I showed one of our advisers a snapshot of his results (they were excellent), and he was taken by the accuracy of the information in relation to the specific clients we reviewed. The information we capture will help shape training, development of the advice process and better services to help you run a more efficient and safe business. We’ll be asking some of you for files in the coming weeks. Please take the time to provide the information we request. The more detail and data we receive, the better the insights we will provide to you.

I’m personally excited and optimistic about 2020 and the next decade. The Code and several other legislative changes put the adviser and client at the center of all we do. Therefore, I stay in advice. What you do everyday for your clients is priceless. You make such a difference every day.

On behalf of the team, thank you for the candid conversations, the faith you place in us to support your business and the community you help foster. We wish you and your family a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas break. For those travelling, be safe on your journey.

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Sincerely,
Annick

Save the Date

Please save the dates in your calendar for our Masterclass & PD Day Roadshow in 2020

Melbourne – 24 & 25 February
Adelaide – 26 & 27 February
Sydney – 2 & 3 March
Brisbane – 5 & 6 March

ENROL NOW!
Enrol TODAY to start your Education Pathway and access the $1,500 rate before the price increase next year. CLICK HERE for more information.

Code of Ethics Webinar
CLICK HERE for an update on the Code of Ethics and to register for our webinar on 15 January.
CLICK HERE for some FAQ’s we have received so far.

Rebranding your Business Collateral
Madison Financial Group will be re-branding to Sargon Adviser Services on 2 March 2020. We want to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible for your business. To assist us, please CLICK HERE to complete a short survey detailing your business collateral.

Conference CPD
CPD for the conference will be finalised and uploaded into your Kaplan OnTrack by the end of this week.

New Policies
CLICK HERE for an update on the Madison Policy annual review.

FASEA Exam Schedule
CLICK HERE for the 2020 FASEA Exam and enrollment schedule and registration link.

News and Events from our Industry
CLICK HERE for the FPA Future of the SoA interactive guide. See if you can spot a familiar face!
CLICK HERE details of the OnePath Lunch & Learn series.
CLICK HERE for details of the Magellan Asset Management Adviser & Client Briefings 2020

Revenue Services
The next revenue payrun will be processed on 3 January 2020
OPEX has written handy guides for Madison users, available through Zen desk and the below links;

CommPay Reporting
Lodging and receipting an invoice.
Invoice Tracking Template
Xplan Navigation
Power BI webinar recording
Setting up referral arrangements in CommPay

CommPay and revenue queries – ATTN: Brokerage
support@opexconsulting.com.au

Helpful Information
Kaplan Discount code PC-RID159
APL Approval Process
Madison contact list
FASEA Website