The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and leading life insurer TAL have jointly launched and opened nominations for the 2014 Female Excellence in Advice Award (the Award) at the AFA Inspire ‘Stand up and step up’ event today.
The Award, developed in 2011 as a joint initiative by the AFA and TAL and supported by the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, recognises and showcases the talents and contributions of women in financial advice to their profession, community and their clients.
AFA Inspire Chair Deborah Kent said the Award is another step forward in the AFA’s quest to give women the tools and the inspiration they need in order to achieve excellence in the financial services market place.
“The aim of the Award is to not only recognise women doing well but also to act as a catalyst for change in financial services and in the lives of everyday Australians,” she said.
“Attracting and inspiring women to seek senior roles, including the role of financial adviser, will eventually mean that we have more women addressing the financial situations of female Australians, especially when seeking advice about their own retirement and insurance needs.”
TAL Life CEO Brett Clark said the Award was important in raising the profile of financial advice as a career choice for women and to promote greater involvement by women obtaining financial advice and protection.
“The award is now in its 4th year and TAL is really proud to have been part of it with the AFA. In the initial design and thinking our ambition was for this to be much more than another award, but a wide ranging program and a reason to have an ongoing dialogue about diversity in the planning profession, and how we provide greater awareness and access to financial advice to women across Australia.”
Guest speaker and media personality Tracey Spicer hosted the launch and ‘Stand up and step up’ event. She provided insights on how to challenge the status quo, how women can ensure they have a passion and a purpose, and led a panel discussion on insights into success, leadership and what it takes to be a winner in the financial services industry.
Panellists included 2013 AFA Female Excellence Award winner, Catherine Robson; AFA Director/Treasurer and Inspire National Chair, Deborah Kent; and TAL General Manager Retail Distribution, Niall McConville.
“We are urging female advisers who demonstrate the ability to change the lives of everyday Australians, whilst also providing inspiration to other women seeking a career as a financial adviser, to apply, ” Ms Kent said.
The 2014 winner of the Female Excellence in Advice Award will be announced at the AFA National Conference on 14 October.
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