These skills will enable AFAs to take on more responsibilities, freeing up time for their supporting advisors to focus on broader strategic priorities, including succession planning. Proven culture of learning One hundred percent of those surveyed after graduating from the program's pilot said they feel confident in their ability to "begin building a new relationship and understanding someone else's needs and goals" based on what they learned in the sessions. Additionally participants acquired nearly twice the number of clients and more than quadrupled the revenue of their peers. 2 As a result of its success, Ameriprise won a Gold Medal Award for the pilot in late 2020 by independent learning and development research firm Brandon Hall. Having pioneered financial planning 50 years ago, Ameriprise has a rich culture of continuous learning and development focused on helping clients achieve their goals for the future.