NAB Financial Planning (NAB FP) has today announced an annual university scholarship program and academic research funding to support the future of the financial planning industry through investment that benefits planners, their clients and the community.

The ‘NAB Future Planners Scholarship’, launched today at four Australian universities, is part of NAB FP’s work to promote financial planning as a career path, increase diversity, and support professionalism.

Awarded to students undertaking a business-related bachelor degree majoring in financial planning, the scholarship offers ten $5,000 scholarships for financial assistance towards studies in financial planning, an invitation to a NAB FP Professional Development day and a mentorship with a senior NAB financial planner.

In partnership with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Financial Planning Education Council (FPEC), NAB FP will also contribute $10,000 towards academic research to grow the body of knowledge in the industry. The research will focus on the customer experience and understanding more about barriers to seeking advice.

“Financial advice contributes to the financial security and wellbeing of millions of Australians, and there are many more in the community who could benefit from the help of a planner. We believe these scholarships and research will not only attract great emerging talent into the industry but ensure that more Australians can benefit from advice,” Tim Steele, General Manager NAB Financial Planning said.

“By championing research in collaboration with our academic partners, we also hope the insights will be used to improve the work the industry does as a whole, and to help more Australians to access advice.”

To increase gender and cultural diversity and attract talent into the industry from regional areas, NAB FP will place particular emphasis on applicants from these demographics.

The scholarship recipients will be announced in May.

More information is available at http://www.nab.com.au/futureplanners