The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) has big plans for 2006. New CEO Richard Klipin (pictured) has a strategy for financial planners belonging to the group.

The AFA appointed Mr Klipin following a six-month search to find someone with the necessary skills and vision to lead the association into the future.

With extensive industry experience working for ING, MLC, the Encore Group and managing his own business, he has some strong views on what the industry needs to do to stay afloat.

Mr Klipin told Sunrise Exchange News one of the issues the AFA wants to achieve is growing membership by about 20% over the next three years. The association currently has about 1100 members.

“Part of that will include recruiting new members and also getting back some of our former members who have left the AFA for one reason or another,” he said.

The AFA will also be “making sure more industry issues get heard” this year. One of these issues is underinsurance in the life insurance market.

He says the AFA will focus on forging stronger relationships with ASIC to ensure members’ issues are raised.

“I’m excited to be working with the AFA at such a crucial time as we expand our services to members, actively promote access to quality financial advice, and address the challenges facing the industry.”