The Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA) has launched the Developing Adviser Resource Toolkit (DART), a new AI-powered professional development resource designed to help early-career advisers build the practical skills, confidence and professional judgement needed for a successful career in investment advice.
The launch comes at a critical time for the profession, with recent industry research forecasting adviser numbers could fall to fewer than 15,000 by 2030 despite growing consumer demand for financial advice[1]. New entrants to the profession face increasingly complex regulatory, technical and professional requirements, reinforcing the need for practical support and development opportunities early in their careers.
SIAA Chief Executive Officer Maria Lykouras said supporting the next generation of advisers was critical to the future of Australia’s investment advice profession.
“The future of Australia’s investment advice profession depends on attracting, developing and supporting emerging advisers,” Ms Lykouras said.
“While formal education provides an important foundation, developing advisers also need opportunities to apply their knowledge and gain experience in realistic professional scenarios.”
While designed to support developing advisers, DART will also benefit professionals transitioning into financial advice from other careers. By combining practical learning resources with AI-powered simulations, the toolkit helps career changers accelerate their understanding of the advice process, practise client interactions and build confidence in delivering advice, while drawing on the professional skills and experience they already bring to the role.
“DART is not only for those starting their careers. It’s also designed to support professionals entering financial advice from other fields, helping them apply their existing experience while accelerating their development as advisers,” Ms Lykouras said.
Developed by SIAA in consultation with industry stakeholders including compliance leaders, training managers and heads of advice, DART provides practical resources, guidance and skills development for advisers undertaking their Professional Year and those in the early stages of their investment advice careers.
The toolkit combines educational resources with innovative AI-powered learning experiences, helping emerging advisers build confidence and capability in a safe learning environment.
Among its features are AI-driven ethical dilemma simulations that provide immediate feedback and AI-powered client interview simulations that enable users to practise fact-finding, strategy development and client engagement skills. Participants receive detailed feedback and transcripts throughout the process, which can be shared with supervisors as evidence of learning and development.
Designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, DART’s AI-powered learning experiences provide developing advisers with opportunities to apply their knowledge in realistic professional scenarios. The combination of practical application, immediate feedback and supervisor-supported learning creates a more engaging and interactive approach to adviser development.
“DART has been designed to complement workplace learning by combining practical resources with AI-powered simulations that allow advisers to test their thinking, refine their skills and receive immediate feedback,” Ms Lykouras said.
“We believe AI has the potential to take adviser education and development to the next level by creating more personalised, interactive and accessible learning experiences.
“DART reflects SIAA’s commitment to supporting high professional standards and investing in the future capability of Australia’s investment advice profession.”
DART provides approximately 30 hours of structured learning, with half contributing towards legislated CPD requirements.
DART is available to SIAA members and affiliates and is offered via a 18-month subscription. Eligible activities completed through DART will contribute towards participants’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
For more information go to https://www.stockbrokers.org.au/dart.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Jeremy Steven
+61 432 798 078
About the Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA)
The Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA) is the peak body representing Australia’s stockbroking and investment advice profession, supporting more than 8,000 industry professionals through its member firms and practitioner network. SIAA supports its members through advocacy, professional development, education and by fostering a strong, connected, and informed financial services community. Our members are market participants and wealth management firms that provide securities and investment advice, execution services and equity capital-raising for Australian investors, both retail and wholesale, and for businesses. Practitioner members are suitably qualified professionals who are employed in the securities and derivatives industry. SIAA members represent the full range of advice providers from full-service and online brokers to execution-only participants and they provide wealth advice and portfolio management services.
[1] Adviser numbers to settle at 14.8k by 2030: Wealth Data, Padua Wealth Data