Unlike many manufacturers and distributors frozen out of the 529 dealmaking, the Academy of Financial Services Studies (AFSS) was in the Wisconsin thick of things thanks to an American Express contract.

Looking to bring its executives up to speed, American Express enrolled some 200 internal and external wholesalers in the AFSS distance learning course 529 Plans and Other College Savings Plans.

"Here's what we want and when we want it," said Eva Spenny, American Express's director of retail retirement plans, explaining the firm's tight deadline requirements: "And they delivered."

In addition to the online learning courses, other AFSS learning platforms include open enrollment sessions and customized training programs.

"We have professionals from American Family, American Express, and American Century developing careers," said Rochelle Lamm, chairman and chief executive officer of the AFSS. "Of the firms in the industry with 'American' in their name, we have 100 percent share."

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based firm has just expanded its management team, tapping Lynn Truppe as director of e-Learning. Prior to AFSS, Truppe was a manager of field training and development and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance.

AFSS is in discussions to provide training services with Morningstar, Zurich Scudder, and other unspecified firms. 

Stay ahead of the news ... Sign up for our email alerts now
CLICK HERE