A JOINT one-day workshop program has been announced between the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Financial Planning Association to help financial planners improve their written communications with their clients.
Workshops will be piloted in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane next month with a wider rollout early next year.
They will include:
Presentations by a communications expert on effective communication;
Comparisons of a range of good practise approaches; and
Information for firms about testing formats to see which works best for their clients.
Financial planners can obtain further information about the programs from the FPA.
ASIC executive director of consumer protection Peter Kell said financial advice needed to be conveyed in a clear manner that the consumer would understand.
"Because financial plans include complex information and cover concepts that may be unfamiliar to many consumers, clear communication can prove challenging," he said.
"We are working with the FPA and industry members to raise standards in this important area.
"With better communication from financial planners, consumers can feel more confident in making an informed decision about advice they receive."