New advisor group with a difference

Greater complexity characterises the broker business these days – and this has led an industry veteran to establish a unique, new dealer group.

Thursday, September 17th 2015, 11:16AM

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Former NZMBA chairman Geoff Bawden* set up the Q Advisor Group, which aims to support like-minded mortgage and insurance advisers trading throughout New Zealand, earlier this year.

Bawden said the group was not about aggregation, rather it was trying to create something a bit different in the industry.

“We want to work with advisers to help them achieve good results for both them as advisers and for their clients. We want to create something that advisers can grow and benefit from. It is very much an added value approach to advising.”

The group will help advisers with new business opportunities, as well as facilitate professional development and encourage best practice.

Bawden said his job is to create and source opportunities for advisers in the group, although how people then chose to use those opportunities is up to them.

“We hope that it prepares them to work better and more effectively as advisers.”

To this end, the group is aligned with Strategi, who are specialist consultants and education providers to financial advisers.

With membership of the group comes automatic enrollment with Strategi, as well as monthly newsletters produced by freelance journalist Diana Clement and quarterly professional development days.

Experience and information sharing will also be an essential part of the group’s operating practice.

Bawden said it was interesting that, even in busy markets like Auckland, very seldom do advisers come across someone doing the same as they are.

“Advisers shouldn’t be scared of what other advisers can offer. It is all about sharing skills and values and learning from them. We want people to work together and be stronger in their work as an advisor as a result.”

Given the current, more complex nature of the industry, there was a huge gap in the market for this approach, Bawden continued.

“Changes to borrowing requirements and the associated criteria have changed the dynamic of the business quite significantly. They put a lot more onus on the adviser to do a great job, despite the many more shades of grey involved.”

Assistance in navigating this environment successfully is what the group wants to provide to advisers who are interested.

Bawden said that the group was looking to recruit, but wanted to find the right people.

“We want to grow – but strategically. For us, it is not about having a hundred advisors. We want our new recruits to have the right approach and the right attitude.

“They have to be people-people who will collaborate. They have to think outside the box. They have to bring something to the table. And they have to have a desire to be a part of this new approach.”

Advisers interested in more information should contact Bawden or email the Q Advisor Group at admin@qaglimited.com.

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Tags: Q Group