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**Why do qualifications matter in financial planning, and what separates a financial planning professional from someone simply working in financial services?**
Financial planning is more than a job. It is a profession built on knowledge, experience, ethical standards and a commitment to putting clients first. But what role does formal education play in developing better financial planners?
In this episode of PROpulsion LIVE, we welcome **Leanne Ferreira, CFP® professional and Head of Department for Financial Planning at Milpark Education**, to explore why qualifications matter, what professional standards mean in practice and how education can contribute to better outcomes for clients.
With more than 10 years of experience in financial services and four years in financial planning education, Leanne brings perspectives from both working in the industry and helping develop the next generation of financial planning professionals.
**In our conversation, we explore:**
- What makes financial planning a profession rather than just a job.
- Why formal qualifications matter, even for experienced advisers.
- The challenges created by relatively low barriers to entering the industry.
- How education and qualifications can improve the advice clients receive.
- Why professional development should continue beyond obtaining a qualification.
- Practical ways for busy advisers to continue learning and developing.
- What advisers can do to contribute to higher professional standards.
We will also discuss an important question: **Does having a qualification automatically make someone a better financial adviser?**
This conversation is relevant to financial planners, financial advisers, business owners, managers and anyone interested in the future of the financial planning profession.
As part of our 2026 theme, *From Knowing to Doing*, we want to help you move beyond recognising the importance of professional development and take a practical step towards improving your own knowledge and skills.
Join us for a conversation about education, experience and building a financial planning profession that clients can trust.
**Subscribe to PROpulsion LIVE** for weekly conversations about building and running better financial planning businesses.
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