Guardian Trust staff qualify as AFAs under new guidelines

8 July 2011

As at 1 July 2011, 45 Guardian Trust staff were approved as Authorised Financial Advisers (AFAs) under the new financial services legislation, with up to 60 staff in total expected to qualify this year.

The qualification enables staff who are AFAs to give advice and guidance in relation to the provision of financial adviser and investment management services. Guardian Trust has also been granted Qualifying Financial Entity (QFE) status under the terms of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA), meaning that a number of other Guardian Trust staff are now QFE advisers.

Guardian Trust Managing Director John Botica says, “Guardian Trust made the decision to support the majority of our client-facing staff through the AFA qualification process and we are delighted, as at 1 July, to have 45 Guardian Trust staff who have been granted AFA status by the Financial Markets Authority, with a further 15 likely to qualify in the next few weeks.

“Furthermore, we fully support the Government’s goal of improving confidence and participation in financial markets, and promoting the sound and efficient delivery of financial adviser services.
Our own dedication to the continual development of professional standards within the financial services industry means we want to set a benchmark for all organisations, and this is why supporting our people and investing in their professional development is paramount.”

Guardian Trust was purchased earlier this year by leading listed Australian company The Trust Company, and CEO John Atkin says this client-centric approach and focus on staff development were key reasons The Trust Company wanted Guardian Trust as part of their broader business in Asia Pacific. “Guardian Trust operates an impressive New Zealand trustee business, and its dedication to continual investment in staff and professionalism with clients made the organisation a perfect fit for our own company.”

Guardian Trust has been growing and protecting the wealth of New Zealanders for more than 100 years, and is the trusted adviser to thousands of successful New Zealanders and their families.

ENDS

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