Count Financial and MetLife Australia’s ‘Risk Academy’ has won the Risk Product Innovation – Adviser Support award, at the recent Plan for Life/AFA 2020 Life Company of the Year Awards.

The Count Financial Risk Academy launched in November 2020 and was aimed at supporting Count Financial’s national network of advisers to upskill at delivering risk insurance advice to clients. It has focused on different topics such as underwriting, claims, taxation, business insurance and succession planning.

Andrew Kennedy, Chief Advice Officer at Count Financial, said the award was recognition for a program built around helping advisers to deliver positive client outcomes.

“We are delighted that our Risk Academy, run in partnership with MetLife Australia, has won this award. Throughout the program, we received sensational feedback from our advisers that the content was providing great value. With more Australians needing access to quality advice, this program has helped build the capabilities of our advisers to address the insurance needs of their clients. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership with MetLife Australia in the future.”

Michael Mulholland, MetLife’s Chief Distribution Officer, echoed Mr Kennedy’s comments and said the award was fantastic acknowledgement for an innovative approach to adviser training needs.

“We know how important it is that advisers get the support they need in order to serve their clients. With an increased demand for advice following the pandemic, the Risk Academy program is timely and relevant for improving the capability of advisers in the network. Along with Count Financial, we’re also pleased that the Risk Academy has been recognised with this award.”