The Financial Planning Association (FPA) will be offering life insurance training sessions through its new online professional development program.

A spokesman for the FPA told insuranceNEWS.com.au there will be an insurance session and a risk specialist course.

The program, called The Rules of Client Engagement, focuses on the need to build a long-term relationship.

It will use audio commentary online to take the adviser through the various stages of the program.

FPA CEO Mark Rantall says the financial planning industry has swung away from sales to a strong compliance culture during the past decade.

“Unfortunately this shift has to come to the detriment of client communication and relationship skills,” he said.

“This program explores the ‘new world’ of how to engage well with clients and how to enhance adviser skills to build a solid foundation of trust and respect.”