The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) is calling for nominations for the seventh AFA Excellence in Education Award (the Award), to be presented in October at the AFA National Conference in Cairns.
Through this Award, the AFA along with partner Asteron Life, recognise advisers who are continually investing in themselves, their staff and their business, to raise professional standards through education and make a positive impact upon Australian’s perceptions of professional financial advisers.
Head of Campus AFA, Nick Hakes, said investment in education is the key to encouraging more Australians to seek quality financial advice.
“As a profession we need to embrace professional development as a way to demonstrate our credibility and expertise to a wider audience,” he said. “We are seeking great success stories of how advisers practically apply their technical skills and knowledge to making a positive contribution to people’s lives.”
Mr Hakes said as professionals, advisers should be continually investing over and above what is required of a standard compliance regime. “We need to move toward professional development solutions that demonstrate our credibility and enhance the client experience. This Award recognises those who are on the front foot with implementing this vision within their own practices,” he said.
The Award plays an important role in encapsulating the essence of professionalism: education + attitude + behaviours + standards and a commitment to lifelong learning, Mr Hakes said. “This is such a unique Award and we are delighted with the ongoing partnership with Asteron Life, which has made it possible for us to continue to showcase such great talent.”
Investment in professional development, Mr Hakes said, is directly linked with a growing, profitable and sustainable advice profession. “We need professional development to be not only academically robust, but also relevant and practical for advisers. Even more, education should be, interesting, challenging, enjoyable and even exciting. The Award showcases the different education pathways taken by advisers to enhance credibility whilst also driving business performance,” he said.
“Asteron Life is proud to sponsor the AFA’s Excellence in Education Award for the seventh year running. We’re passionate about excellence in education, because we believe in the need to drive continued improvement in consumer perception of the professionalism of the advice industry”, Asteron Life Executive General Manager, Distribution, Jordan Hawke said.
“Through the Award we aim to advocate the incredible job advisers do to improve our social fabric and help Australians make better decisions for their financial future through quality advice.
“Our industry needs to build a sustainable future – and this Award embodies that philosophy by celebrating advisers who invest in their business to lead their people, develop quality advice for consumers, and build an asset that carries on in value”.
The winner will be announced at the AFA Conference in Cairns from 11-14 October 2014. Nominations for the Award close on 30 May 2014.
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