On the 3rd and 4th of March 2016, we held our semi-annual conference in Melbourne at The Pullman Albert Park.

Bob Fowler opened the conference, welcoming three new first time conference attendees among a large number of regular conference faces. Bob acknowledged FYG’s ongoing growth with 2 new advisers from two new firms joining since the last conference. Importantly, another three advisers were in the process of joining existing advisory businesses, while another prospective adviser/firm was deep into the recruitment process.

On Day 1, David Haintz of Global Adviser Alpha gave a presentation on What Clients Want and What They Need. This highlighted the importance of being a client first financial adviser or financial planning AFSL.

Jim Burrows, Founder and Managing Partner of Australasian Vehicle Buying Services highlighted the importance of value adding for busy clients, which is a key function of his business.

Dominique Schuh of Schuch Group and FYG, gave an overview of her experience with the Disney Institute, specifically on leadership, engagement with staff and delivering a quality service.

Peter Mancell interviewed Nick Stewart of Stewart Financial Group in New Zealand about delivering quality financial advice in a foreign land.

In the afternoon, Peter Mancell and Jason Fowler took the group through new developments the back office had been working on for Xplan, specifically the Advice Wizard, SFDS Developments, Service Benchmarks & Questionnaires.

Peter Mancell then explained FYG Planners Portfolio Construction Framework & CEFEX fiduciary Accreditation, which Mancell Financial Group and Fowler’s Group both achieved in 2016.

The final session of the day was conducted by Lieutenant Commander Kelly Haywood, RAN & Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year 2013 who spoke on leadership and team management.

Day 2 kicked off with Kate Cain of Irongroup Lawyers presenting on Horror Stories of What Goes Wrong When Estate Planning is Not Undertaken Thoroughly.

James Harwood & Damon Riscalla of Russell Investments presented on Value Investing.

Peter Mancell and Jason Fowler hosted and open forum with discussions on adviser qualifications, FATCA, PI, changes to Corporations Law and many other FYG specific topics.

Savina Rizova from Dimensional presented on Adding Value Throughout the Investment Process.

Steve Bondietti, from BT Platforms gave an overview of new features and functionality at BT Panorama and where they are headed.

FYG management were extremely pleased with the standard of content presented from all internal and external sources. Feedback from attendees, especially first time attendees was extremely positive, with specific note made of the strong camaraderie shown within the group.

The next FYG Planners conference will be in Cairns in August 2016.