To be the premier professional association for the financial services industry.

Finsia’s Mission

Finsia will be the:

• Essential professional partner enriching the capability of our members and the industry
• Independent and respected advocate for the industry
• Driver of innovation and competitiveness in the industry
• Promoter of professional ethics and market integrity in the industry.

Finsia – the Financial Services Institute of Australasia – is Australasia’s premier membership organisation for the financial services industry.

We are the only professional association representing the entire spectrum of financial services across Australasia – including the wealth management, banking & finance and capital markets sectors. In this role, we connect more than 20,000 members – not only with each other, but with the latest thinking and information from across the industry and around the globe.

This is achieved by providing relevant and high quality professional development and networking programs, a comprehensive suite of career support services and a range of industryleading information resources and publications. Our advocacy and policy initiatives ensure Finsia plays a critical role in promoting industry growth both regionally and around the world.

Finsia’s Board determines policy, with the President as Chairman of the Board.

There are eleven elected members on the Board, together with the Chief Executive Officer who is also a member. The Board is supported by a number of committees. Finsia has offices in: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Australian Capital Territory in Australia and Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand. Each region has a Regional Council, a Regional Manager and staff.

Committees

• Audit, Finance, Risk Management & Compliance Committee
• Nominations & Remuneration Committee
• JASSA Editorial Board
• Policy Advisory Council
• Policy Standing Committees

OUR HISTORY

Finsia – the Financial Services Institute of Australasia – was formed in 2005 as a result of a merger between the Securities Institute of Australia and the Australasian Institute of Banking and Finance (AIBF).

Finsia is one of the largest financial services organisations in Australia and New Zealand with a combined heritage of 160 years experience.

After 40 years of providing education for professionals working in the financial services industry, in 2007 the members of Finsia voted in favour of selling the education business to Kaplan Inc., a subsidiary of the Washington Post. Kaplan Professional continues to provide similar educational courses and activities.

The sale of the education business has given Finsia the opportunity to focus on becoming a complete member services organisation – one which safeguards members’ interests, voices their concerns, harnesses their skills and enhances their careers.

Finsia will strive to enhance not just the employability of our members, but raise standards within the industry.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS IN 2007

Voice for the Industry

• Finsia held a public summit in August 2007 entitled Sustainability: investing in the long haul, which attracted industry leaders and generated significant media coverage.
• Members were connected with Australian and New Zealand governments in two Government Speaks events, which also attracted several high profile speakers.
• Policy@work roadshows held in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland attracted strong attendance and helped set Finsia’s policy agenda for 2008.

Membership

• Retention of membership was strong during the year and at year end membership was close to 20,000.

Career partner

• We delivered a new online jobs portal to our website, Job Ready Online, attracting up to 20,000 visits per month.
• A pilot mentoring program, designed to improve career progression and satisfaction, was well received and has been expanded in 2008.
• Through the Hugh D.T. Williamson Scholarship, Finsia had member representation at the 60th International Banking Summer School.

Premier information services

• Finsia published four editions of our industry journal, JASSA, which included submissions from high-calibre industry leaders.
• The flagship magazine, InFinance, was revamped with a new look and an increased editorial focus.
• Three new free information services for members were introduced on our website. Professional

Development & Training

• More than 25,000 guests attended over 400 professional development events across Australia and New Zealand.
• High calibre speakers presented at these events, which helped members achieve 1,500 hours of continuing professional development credits.

Education

• During the year Finsia Education attracted 6,480 students to post graduate courses in Applied Finance and Investment. Vocational enrolments exceeded 2,975 and compliance programs attracted 12,980 enrolments. Until August 2008 the postgraduate and vocational courses are now being conducted by Kaplan on behalf of Finsia Education.

The categories of Finsia membership are Senior Fellows, Fellows, Senior Associates, Associates and Affiliates. Applicants may be admitted as Fellows, Senior Associates, Associates or Affiliates.

AFFILIATE (No postnominal applies)
This membership category is open to individuals who have an interest in the financial services industry, as well as current Finsia students with no formal tertiary qualifications.

ASSOCIATE (A Fin)
This membership category is for those who hold a relevant Diploma or Graduate Certificate or other recognised industry qualifications and are working in the industry. At Finsia’s discretion, professionals may also be elevated to this category if they have made a substantial personal contribution to Finsia for a period of 3 years or to the financial services industry for a period of 5 years.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE (SA Fin)
Senior Associateship is open to those who hold a relevant Postgraduate Diploma or other recognised qualification and at least 3 years career experience working in the financial services industry. At Finsia’s discretion, professionals may also be elevated to this category if they have made a substantial personal contribution to Finsia for a period of 5 years or to the financial services industry for a period of 7 years.

FELLOW (F Fin)
Fellowship is open to those who hold a Masters Degree and at least 5 years career experience working in the financial services industry. At Finsia’s discretion, professionals may also be elevated to this category if they have made a substantial personal contribution to Finsia for a period of 7 years or to the financial services industry for a period of 10 years.

SENIOR FELLOW (SF Fin)
Senior Fellow status is awarded by the Finsia Board to those professionals who are suitably qualified and have given a significant contribution to Finsia and/or the financial services industry.