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This month, ASA members Raymond James and Ameriprise Financial each unveiled initiatives designed to support U.S. military personnel, veterans and their families.
On November 7, Raymond James celebrated the official launch of the Veteran Financial Advisors Network (VFAN), a professional network dedicated to supporting service members and military family members and helping them discover opportunities in the financial services industry.
As veterans transition to civilian life, VFAN provides a network where veterans can support one another in their careers and businesses while advocating important causes in our industry and communities.
Partnering closely with the Veterans Inclusion Network (Valor), a professional network for Raymond James home office associates, VFAN was founded and is led by financial advisors who make up the network’s advisory council, which holds the responsibility of supporting, recruiting and uplifting other veteran advisors.
Additionally, Ameriprise Financial partnered with Dalton Education to create a new Certified Military Financial Advisor (CMFA) certification, the first designation program of its kind.
Participants in the program can achieve the certification after 40 to 50 hours of training and coursework focused on the unique life circumstances of and benefits available to veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists and members of the National Guard, as well as their family members.
“The CMFA gives [our advisors] tools and training to help service members harness the unique resources available to them and confidently reach their goals for the future," former U.S. Army officer and senior vice president of Financial Advice and Advisor Business Group at Ameriprise Financial Mike Greene said.
For those who served, the experiences that shaped their lives will forever connect them to a strong community no matter where they are. VFAN and CMFA are two unique programs with the potential to build on that community and provide further opportunities to support and honor our nation’s heroes.