Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake financial planning analysis and research. It encompasses evaluating a client’s current situation, identifying issues and researching requirements and parameters for extracting and analysing information, and summarising research information.
It applies to individuals who, within their level of authority, apply specialised knowledge, systematic approaches and analytical techniques to research and prepare information customised for clients and/or situations.
Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Evaluate client’s current situation and identify issues | 1.1 Analyse integrity of information provided by client 1.2 Identify, quantify and test client objectives for viability 1.3 Establish basis for strategy development in line with confirmed objectives |
2. Identify research requirements and parameters | 2.1 Establish aims and objectives of research including strategy, product and performance parameters against client requirements and expectations, with all issues identified 2.2 Identify and access wide range of relevant internal and external information resources required for research 2.3 Establish timeframes and prioritise requests for information to ensure milestones are met |
3. Extract and analyse information according to research requirements and parameters | 3.1 Establish data extraction criteria that are relevant to intended use and client requirements 3.2 Identify trends to provide meaningful information on performance of possible strategies, products and markets 3.3 Identify taxation and other government legislation that needs to be considered in choice of financial planning strategies 3.4 Conduct risk assessment of strategies and products identified through research 3.5 Analyse financial products within appropriate timeframes to ensure currency of decision making 3.6 Prioritise information according to client requirements and expectations 3.7 Identify issues that require specialist research or advice and obtain appropriate advice |
4. Summarise research information | 4.1 Collate and check information on financial strategies and products against research specification 4.2 Prepare and check written performance, trend and risk analyses against research specification 4.3 Document any qualifications or issues for further research |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
conduct financial planning research that demonstrates:
evaluation of client’s current situation and identification of issues
identification of research requirements and parameters
extraction and analysis of information
use of a wide range of available information sources
compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, relevant industry codes of practice and organisational operating guidelines
accurately summarise research information and test its integrity
prioritise findings, validated against client requirements, and document research for financial plans.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
identify and describe a wide range of financial products and services
discuss the risks and implications associated with use of financial products and services
explain financial products and services and the associated benefits from a financial planning perspective
identify financial industry information sources and outline research techniques for accessing this information
compare and contrast financial planning strategies
describe the key features of:
organisational policy and procedures relating to research
relevant legislation and regulations governing trusts and companies
relevant industry code of practice requirements
describe the key features of taxation and social security systems and regulations, and their effect on specified financial products
outline the key aspects of theories of investment, portfolio management and management of investment and risk.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the financial planning field of work and include access to:
office equipment, technology, software and consumables.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1-1.3, 2.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2 | Researches, analyses and compares complex information to determine and confirm work requirements |
Writing | 2.1, 2.3, 3.6, 4.2, 4.3 | Uses language, concepts and terminology appropriate to the audience and purpose to share, convey and clarify explicit information and requirements |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.3, 2.3 | Uses active listening and questioning techniques to clarify and elicit information from a range of stakeholders |
Numeracy | 1.2, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2 | Performs calculations and uses analytical techniques to determine trends and make comparisons of financial information Develops timelines to plan and monitor progress |
Interact with others | 3.7 | Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with internal and external stakeholders to seek or share information |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.7, 4.1-4.3 | Plans, organises and implements processes to ensure required tasks are completed efficiently and effectively Systematically gathers, analyses and evaluates research findings to decide on appropriate products or advice Uses the main features and functions of digital tools to complete work tasks and to access information |
Sectors
Financial planning