The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA)’s showcasing of adviser education and professionalism has begun for 2016, with nominations for the ninth AFA Excellence in Education Award (the Award), presented in conjunction with partner Asteron Life, now open.
General Manager, Member Services, Partnerships and Campus AFA, Nick Hakes said consumers really value highly educated advisers and this Award demonstrates the direct link between investment in education and professional credibility.
“Over the last 18 months financial advisers have created a momentum shift towards embracing higher education standards. This Award showcases advisers who are investing in further education for themselves and their staff and then thinking about how they connect education to their client’s financial wellness and their own business performance. Our 2015 winner, Charles Badenach, used education to improve the financial literacy of migrant groups in Tasmania. His investment in education started with a higher social purpose for the betterment of his community. The AFA has always held a core belief in lifelong learning and the practical application of knowledge and Charles is a great example of an adviser living those values,” said Mr Hakes.
Asteron Life Executive Manager Mark Vilo said Asteron Life is proud to continue its support, encouragement and celebration of professionalism within the financial advice community.
“Asteron Life is delighted to be the partner for the AFA Excellence in Education Award for the ninth year running. Quite simply, the importance of this Award cannot be understated in the current environment. Every year we see nominees who are continually investing in themselves, their staff and their business to raise professional standards through higher education. I encourage all advisers who have a great story to tell about how they have used their education as a way to positively change perceptions of the financial adviser to nominate for the Award.”
National finalists will be announced during the month of July at the AFA National Practitioner Roadshows with the overall winner being announced at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Canberra in October 2016.
Nominations for the Excellence in Education Award close on 10 June 2016. To nominate visit: http://www.asteronlife.com.au/afaawards
Key dates in the AFA 2016 Excellence in Education Award Program:
| Nominations open | 18 April 2016 |
| Nominations close | 10 June 2016 |
| First round interviews | Commencing 20 June |
| National finalists announced at the AFA Roadshow | 11 – 21 July |
| A panel interview with state winners | 31 August |
| The AFA Excellence in Education Award winner announced at the AFA Adviser Conference | 6 October |
