The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and TAL have announced the semi-finalists in the 2015 AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award (the Award).
The Award, developed in 2011 as a joint initiative by the AFA and TAL and supported by the Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM), recognises and showcases the talents and contributions of women in financial advice to their clients, community and their profession.
AFA CEO, Brad Fox, said the Award is a reflection of the AFA’s commitment to continue to generate and encourage positive change in the financial advice sector, with women constantly being encouraged to enter the advice profession.
“We want to encourage all women in our industry to progress and achieve personal fulfilment throughout their financial services careers. The achievements of the women nominated, and the semi-finalists especially, really show that our profession can earn the recognition and respect of the public,” he said. “The more we can continue to showcase the value of their advice, the sooner more Australians will understand what financial advice is, what the process involves and how valuable it is.”
The Award criteria include assessment of the candidates’ contributions to financial literacy in the community and/or campaigns targeted specifically at helping female clients take control of their financial lives.
General Manager of Retail Distribution at TAL Life, Niall McConville said the calibre of applicants is always exceptionally high and this year was no exception – making the job of shortlisting the semi-finalists a challenge for the judges.
“TAL continues to be very proud of this jointly initiated award with the AFA because it reminds us of the amazing female talent we have in the industry and an opportunity to recognise their fantastic contribution to the profession and their own communities.
“TAL supports gender equality and believes strongly in greater representation of women in financial services and the difference diversity can make to the financial outcomes of both men and women.”
Akey benefit of making it to the semi-finals is an invitation to the Leadership Masterclass to be held in Sydney on Monday 31 August and Tuesday 1 September. The two-day program is facilitated by MGSM and TAL, and will provide semi-finalists an opportunity to learn and share, connect and celebrate success.
The finalists for the AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award will be announced early September 2015, with the winner announced at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Cairns from 25-27 October.
The Award semi-finalists are:
Crystal Broadfoot – The Next Step Financial Group
Esther Althaus – Perspective Financial Services
Heather Jensen – Carrington Financial Services SA Pty Ltd
Tricia Peters – PetersMcKeown
Sharon Walker – National Australia Bank
Michelle Roberts – BCV Financial Solutions
Source: AFA
