The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) have announced the semi-finalists in the 2014 AFA Adviser of the Year and Practice of the Year Awards (the Awards).
The Adviser of the Year honour was first awarded in 2003, as a joint initiative between the AFA and Zurich, and is acknowledged to be Australia’s premier advice award. 2014 represents a new chapter in the award, with the best individual adviser and best advice practice to be honoured separately.
AFA CEO, Brad Fox, said the decision to offer two awards reflected the evolution of advice, including new business models characterised by greater separation between entrepreneurial business owners and highly specialised client facing advisers.
“The standard of candidates for this year’s awards has once again been exceptional, and underscores the incredible job advisers are doing in changing lives for the better’” said Mr Fox.
Renowned for the rigour of the judging process, this year’s candidates are also being assessed on their efforts to improve the financial literacy of their clients, prospects and the community overall.
Mr Philip Kewin, Zurich’s GM Retail Life & Investments also acknowledged the quality of candidates this year, and believes it augurs well for the reputation of advisers overall.
“Aside from a strong commitment to client care and self-development, what stands out for me about this year’s candidates is the amazing innovation taking place in how advice is delivered, said Mr Kewin.
“Ultimately these candidates are leading the way in lifting the reputation of the advice profession and making quality advice accessible to more Australians,” he said.
The Semi Finalists for the Adviser of the Year Award are:
Bill Bracey, Sydney Financial Planning
Catherine Robson, Affinity Private
David Clark, Clark Pacific Financial Services Pty Ltd
Eleanor Dartnall, Dartnall Advisers Pty Ltd
Finn Kelly, Wealth Enhancers & WE Private
PJ Byrne, Mr Insurance
The Semi Finalists for the Practice of the Year Award are:
Complete Financial Balance
Complete Risk Analysis
Lighthouse Capital Pty Ltd
Rising Tide Financial Services
Robina Financial Solutions Pty Ltd
Tribeca Financial
The Semi-Finalists now proceed to the next stage of assessment, with three Finalists in each Award to be announced in mid-September.
