For the FPA, the vote spells the beginning of a new age.
Late last month, FPA chair Matthew Rowe sent an email to association members reminding them to vote.
"This is your final chance to vote on the adoption of the new constitution, the cancellation of the principal member and general member categories, and restriction of membership of the FPA to certified financial planner professionals and associate financial planners," the email said.
"This is a 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity to vote for real change and the future of your professional recognition.
"We are all on the journey towards building Australians' respect for financial planners as trusted professionals and transforming the FPA into a true professional association in which only individual financial planning professionals have the right to vote.
"Your support will hasten the transformation process and help us work more effectively for you."
The changes announced last November at the association's national conference have divided members.
On the one hand some believe the FPA has moved in a positive direction and is positioning itself as a professional organisation that will lobby as the voice for its members.
Yet on the other hand, some believe the membership changes are a band-aid solution and are not too happy with the loss of the principal member title or the fact members have to fork out more for marketing fees.
At last year's conference, a number of principal members were left bemused by the membership changes. Many didn't see the point in remaining members if they had to pay more in fees without seeming to get many benefits.
In the past few weeks, the murmurs across the advice segment again are divided. A representative of one of the major dealer groups enquired as to the general feeling of the industry as they were unsure on how they would vote.
For the vote to be passed, 75 per cent of FPA members who participated needed to vote yes on 7 April.
How did you vote?
Do you believe the change in direction the FPA is taking will be of value to you and your clients?
On a separate note, I would like to take the opportunity to thank and wish IFA features editor Victoria Papandrea all the best in her next endeavour.
She has been a valued member of the IFA and Morningstar Media team during her three years with us and will be missed.
