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The chief executive officer of a global education provider has revealed that more brokers are signing up to enhance their business, in light of the surge in Chinese borrower demand.
According to Kaplan Professional CEO Brian Knight, a “couple hundred” brokers have undertaken the China Ready and Accredited program which, in partnership with Kaplan Professional, aims to teach brokers and other industry professionals about Chinese business customs through 12 interactive online modules.
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Mr Knight told The Adviser that those who complete the program are given global accreditation and the skill set required to earn greater credibility with Chinese investors.
“Australia is naturally attractive to Chinese investors because of the high-quality resources and as a low political risk destination,” Mr Knight said.
“It’s well known that Chinese investment is increasing and there are predictions that it could double over the next six years.
“If we’re going to deal with Chinese investors, it’s important that we have a good understanding of their customers and their preferences.”
Mr Knight said he expects the increased interest from brokers to continue throughout 2016 in light of the positive feedback provided from those who have already completed the program.
“What the brokers are saying is that they feel much more confident and much more positive in their ability to be able to communicate with investors and Chinese people more generally,” he said.
“[Meanwhile] the feedback from the Chinese side is that they are significantly keen to see people they do business with in Australia having taken the time to do programs like this and get the accreditation that they can get.”
Looking ahead, Mr Knight noted that there are talks underway to expand this type of program to cover other cultures.
“For example, we’re exploring if we could do one with the Middle East or Northern Africa. We think there’s a real opportunity for us to continue to do this,” he said.
Kaplan Professional also offers a Certificate IV in general insurance with three different streams (claims, generalist and sales) and a Tier 1 Compliance Solution, as well as a Tier 1 Compliance Solution for Insurance Broking.
In December, Mr Knight told The Adviser that Kaplan would look to expand its insurance offerings this year, with a new Diploma of Insurance Broking to be introduced.
