Registrations have opened for the Financial Planning Association’s (FPA) national congress in Sydney.

The association has secured famous US consumer advocate Erin Brockovich as a keynote speaker, while Victoria Cross winner Benjamin Roberts-Smith will open the event on October 17.

Corporal Roberts-Smith will discuss unity, teamwork and going beyond the call of duty in combat, FPA Chairman Matthew Rowe says.

“Each speaker at the congress has been hand-picked as leaders the FPA community can relate to,” he said.

“We may not be risking our lives, but helping improve all Australians’ lives through better financial planning and security, particularly in retirement, is a cause worth fighting for and one the FPA is always working towards.”

The second plenary speaker will be US-certified financial planner Carl Richards, who will show “how simple sketches can make complex financial concepts come to life”.

“We are sure Mr Richards’ simple, yet thought-provoking speech will help advisers rethink their approach to client conversations,” Mr Rowe said.

The two-day congress will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.