Pro Bono Financial Advice Network (PFAN) says Zurich Financial Services, Sequoia and its Interprac business have joined the group to support its work with Australians living with a personal health crisis. 

PFAN was established in 2014 to provide pro bono financial advice to those in need. At present it is working with the Multiple Sclerosis network throughout Australia, connecting individuals through referral partners to locally based advisers. 

“Our mission is to help improve the financial wellbeing of Australians living with serious illness or disability, by providing pro bono financial advice, and to inspire others to do the same,” Chair Nicola Beswick said. 

“Through our PFAN adviser network, we’re able to connect advisers with people who need financial advice assistance and are experiencing significant financial hardship because of a personal health crisis.” 

Zurich says its life insurance advice business, Zurich Assure, will work with PFAN. Recent Zurich research found that in the event of an illness or injury impacting their primary income, almost 40% of individuals would only have sufficient financial resources for up to two weeks. 

“Seeking and obtaining the right advice at the right time can make a significant and positive difference,” Zurich Assure Head Sandhya Maini said. 

“For this reason, and consistent with our values as an organisation, Zurich remains committed to helping those most in need.” 

InterPrac CEO Garry Crole says InterPrac and Sequoia are pleased to support those who need advice the most, by participating in the program. 

“In our opinion, the best investment anyone can make, is to appoint a financial planner or wealth coach,” he said.  

Ms Beswick says having support from the likes of Zurich Assure, InterPrac and Sequoia enables PFAN to service more clients and extend its offerings to others in need of assistance. 

“We also hope to inspire the next generation of advisers and increase awareness of the value that we bring to others through our profession,” Ms Beswick said.