We're excited to share that our Head of International Wealth Management, Rob Atherton, was recently featured in FT Adviser discussing our pioneering new Adviser Academy, an innovative program designed to address the industry's talent shortage while creating exceptional career opportunities for aspiring financial planners.
Addressing the Adviser Gap Through Innovation
The UK financial advice industry faces a well-documented talent shortage, with many qualified professionals struggling to secure adviser roles despite having the passion and preliminary qualifications. Rob Atherton identified this challenge as an opportunity to create something transformative.
As Rob explains in the FT Adviser feature, "There's a lack of quality talent and a lack of entry route." Our Adviser Academy directly tackles this issue by offering employed roles, relocation sponsorship to Malaysia, and comprehensive family support packages for the right candidates.
A Unique Mentorship-Focused Approach for Future Financial Advisers
Unlike high-volume training programs, our Academy prioritises quality over quantity through personalised, one-to-one mentorship. Rob's vision is ambitious yet achievable: mentor up to 50 advisers personally, pairing each trainee with experienced advisers for comprehensive shadowing and hands-on learning.
This intensive approach aims for a 100% success rate, ensuring every Academy participant develops into a competent, confident financial planning professional. The program welcomes diverse backgrounds - from mortgage advisers and paraplanners to career changers who've self-studied to Level 4 qualifications.
Emerging International Standard Financial Advisers
The Academy isn't just theoretical, we're already seeing results. One of our advisers, Ryan Long was previously an English teacher in Malaysia who self-studied with CISI and has launched his adviser career, alongside several professionals transitioning from other financial services roles through The Personal Finance Organisation (TPO).
These diverse backgrounds demonstrate our belief that passion and commitment matter more than traditional career paths. We're looking for individuals who are "passionate about financial planning" and ready for a meaningful change of environment and opportunity.
The Malaysia Advantage: An Exceptional Business Environment
Rob highlights Malaysia's compelling advantages for international financial planning professionals. Recent budget announcements have made the country even more attractive, with overseas remittances now tax-free until 2036, no inheritance tax, no capital gains tax, and minimal dividend taxation.
Beyond the favourable tax environment, Malaysia offers chartered financial planners unprecedented opportunities. Our dual authorisation capability means Academy graduates can advise both international expats and local clients - a unique proposition that accelerates career development and market expertise.
Long-Term Vision: Raising Industry Standards
Our Academy represents more than individual career development, it's part of our commitment to elevating international financial planning standards. As Rob notes, "The future of financial planning is probably more multi-jurisdictional now," and our Academy participants will be at the forefront of this evolution.
We're actively collaborating with UK-based advisers and contributing to the broader transformation of international advice quality. Malaysia's financial planning landscape is rapidly evolving, with 25% chartered professionals and increasing numbers of chartered practices, positioning it to match UK standards within the next decade.
Click here to access our previous webinar recordings with our international partners.
The response to our Academy announcement has been "phenomenal," with Rob reporting unprecedented inquiry levels. However, we maintain strict selection criteria, focusing on candidates committed to medium to long-term residence in Malaysia rather than short-term experiences.
This selective approach ensures we invest in professionals who will grow with the company and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia's financial planning community. We're seeking individuals who are "passionate, want to get their qualifications, are ethical and want to live in Southeast Asia."
For many qualified professionals in the UK, regulatory barriers and competitive pressures create seemingly insurmountable obstacles to adviser roles. As a Chartered Insurance Institute International Professional Partner Firm, Melbourne Capital Group aims to directly address these challenges, offering genuine pathways for talented individuals who've struggled to secure opportunities despite strong qualifications and commitment.
As Rob emphasises, we're "looking for that person who's passionate about financial planning, who's maybe a bit hacked off with the UK at the moment, because there's a lot of people who can't get the opportunity."
A Partnership in Professional Growth
Our Academy represents a genuine partnership. We're investing in people's careers, families, and futures while they contribute to building something exceptional in Malaysia's financial services sector. The combination of comprehensive support, world-class mentorship, and unprecedented market opportunities creates a unique value proposition for ambitious financial planning professionals.
Read the full FT Adviser interview with Rob Atherton here for complete details about our Adviser Academy program and application process.
Interested in learning more about career opportunities with Melbourne Capital Group? Contact our team or explore our current openings.
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