Ombudsman urges AMP to come to mediation table with planners

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has urged AMP to formally commit to mediation, as it moves to exit up to 250 financial planning businesses.

“More than 80 AMP financial planners have approached my office in the past few months and many of them are telling us they face financial ruin as a result of AMP’s new exit terms,” Ms Carnell said..

“Many of those planners who borrowed from AMP to buy into the business at a set price, now face losing their homes and their livelihoods, as the financial institution seeks to impose a three-year restriction on working as a financial planner.

“My office has met with AMP and although they signalled they were open to mediation, they have yet to confirm their participation," she said.

“It’s critical these small business owners have clear information about their financial position before making any big decisions about their future. Mediation would be one way of providing that much-needed clarity.

“We’ve called on AMP to waive debts for those financial planners facing AMP-imposed reduced buyback values," Ms Carnell said.

“AMP has also been asked to extend its termination deadline, so that a resolution may be reached.

“Small businesses in the financial planning industry have faced a great deal of turmoil in the aftermath of the Banking Royal Commission, with hundreds of planners bearing the brunt of brutal restructures and fire sales by banks and wealth funds," she said.

“We remain concerned about a number of behaviours that may include the conduct of lookback audits, financial planning licensors shifting responsibility for client compensation payments to licencees, short notice periods provided to licencees exiting the business and restraint of trade provisions.

"Any small or family business that has been impacted by changes in the financial planning sector is encouraged to share their story," Ms Carnell said.l

E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or submit a request for assistance using the ASBFEO Online Form.

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