Financial planners in Australia: an evaluation of gaps in technical and behavioral skills

Abstract

Industry based studies in Australia have highlighted the gap that exists between client expectation and skills of financial planners. The objective of this study is to investigate the importance of technical and behavioral skills required of financial planners and the level of perceived skill gaps exhibited by recently qualified planners. The results suggest that there is a need to more effectively incorporate specific behavioral skills such as listening and questioning skills in financial planning educational programs. Overall, the findings have implications for curriculum development, monitoring of professional standards and provision of continuing professional development programs to maximize the quality of financial planning advice.