Telnet Services has become the first call centre to gain the Qualifying Financial Entity (QFE) accreditation under new regulations for financial advisers.

This will make it easier to market financial products to retail customers on behalf of its clients.

Telnet’s QFE status enables it to sell Category 2 products, which include insurance products, and consumer credit contracts such as hire purchase and loans.

“By seeking registration our clients will find it easier to use Telnet as a partner to promote their products,” Telnet managing director John Chetwynd said.

“Being the only contact centre at this stage with QFE status will enhance our competitive advantage in the financial services space.”

Under the requirements of a QFE, Telnet must take responsibility for ensuring its telephone sales agents deliver a professional service to retail customers.

The company says it has already honed its performance management standards to secure the business of financial service companies in the already tightly regulated Australian market.

As part of Telnet’s push into the Australian market it has also obtained accreditation with the Australian Teleservices Association and its Centre Standards and Accreditation Programme (CCSA).

“The rigour of assessment required to promote financial products within Australia and the standards required within the CCSA program provided an excellent foundation for us to secure QFE accreditation for our New Zealand business,” Mr Chetwynd said.