The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA)’s showcasing of adviser education and professionalism has begun for 2015, with nominations for the eighth AFA Excellence in Education Award (the Award), presented in conjunction with partner Asteron Life, now open.
The Award, which will be presented to the winner at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Cairns in October, recognises advisers who are continually investing in further education for themselves and their staff to connect knowledge with improving value to clients and business performance.
General Manager, Member Services & Campus AFA, Nick Hakes, said encouraging diverse education pathways for modern financial advisers is the way of the future, and the Award recognises those who go above and beyond the minimum standard. “Education is an important driver of delivering great advice to more Australians. There are so many good stories of advisers doing extraordinary things by practically applying their technical knowledge and skills,” he said.
Mr Hakes said the emerging advice profession must adopt a new way of thinking about education, and encourage those who are challenging themselves by investing in further education to put their hand up to be a role model for other advisers.
“The AFA Excellence in Education Award promotes those who are the very essence of professionalism,” he said. “Professionalism is a combination of knowledge, attitude, behaviours and accountability, as well as a commitment to life long learning. We are delighted that Asteron Life is also committed to showcasing those who encapsulate adviser professionalism.”
Asteron Life Executive Manager Mark Vilo said Asteron Life was proud to support, encourage and celebrate professionalism in the financial advice profession.
“We’ve long been passionate about excellence in education and the role it plays to help drive a positive consumer perception of the advice profession. It’s vital to recognise and reward the talented advisers who invest in their professional development and the incredible job they do to help Australians make better decisions for their financial future,” Mr Vilo said.
The winner of the AFA’s Excellence in Education Award will be announced at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Cairns in October 2015. Nominations for the Award close on 29th May 2015. To nominate visit: http://www.asteronlife.com.au/afaawards.
Key Dates in AFA’s 2015 Excellence in Education Award Program:
| Nominations open | 27th April 2015 |
| Nominations close | 29th May 2015 |
| First round interviews | Commencing 8th June |
| State winners announced at the AFA Roadshow | 21st – 30th July |
| A panel interview with state winners | 7th September |
| The AFA Excellence in Education Award winner announced at the AFA Adviser Conference | 26th October |
Source: Association of Financial Advisers (AFA)
