The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and Asteron Life (Asteron) have announced the 2016 Finalists for the AFA Excellence in Education Award (the Award).
The finalists are:
| Adviser Name | Practice Name | Licensee | State |
| Stephen Nielsen | Ascent Wealth Management | GWM Adviser Services | Queensland |
| Jason Fittler | Grow Your Wealth Pty Ltd | Grow Your Wealth Pty Ltd | Queensland |
| Joseph Hoe | Wealthwise | Financial Wisdom | Western Australia |
| Steve Dobson | Mal Dobson and Associates | Meritum Financial Group | Western Australia |
| Christie Rigg | 360 Private | 360 Private Wealth By Design Pty Ltd | South Australia |
| Simon Duigan | Main Street Financial Solutions | Fitzpatricks | Tasmania |
| Warren Strybosch | Find Wealth | Clearview Financial Advice | Victoria |
| Karen Walmsley | Powe Financial | Alliance Wealth | New South Wales |
The national winner will be announced at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Canberra October 5-7.
Nick Hakes, General Manager Member Services, Partnerships & Campus AFA said it is encouraging to see so many advisers embracing higher and higher levels of education.
“There is a real shift in the mindset of advisers towards investing in education as a practical way of adapting to the seismic forces that are shaping the financial advice landscape. The candidates for this year’s Award are simply outstanding. Their education journeys demonstrate how education has helped them build not only their own knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, but also the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of their clients,” he said.
Mr Hakes said this year’s finalists have invested heavily in a broad range of academic disciplines that move beyond the traditional technical areas to include practical business knowledge and emotional intelligence, as well as understanding new technologies and innovations. “It is this kind of broad investment in education that will reshape how we think about adviser education and ultimately help them grow the demand for great advice.”
Asteron Life Head of Intermediaries Mark Vilo said, “In our industry we often emphasise the importance of working on your business and not just working in it. The eight finalists for 2016 have demonstrated this through their broad commitment to study. Ongoing education is a vital ingredient for providing quality advice and, in turn, better client outcomes.”
Finalists of the Award are chosen for their commitment to professional development through continuing education and making a difference within the marketplace and their local community through the practical application of their knowledge and expertise.
Candidates are judged on the quality of their written nomination. Judges then conduct phone interviews with shortlisted candidates. Candidates are also given a weighting across four award criteria, including:
. 50% on formal education
. 30% on practical application of education
. 10% on contribution to one’s industry through education
. 10% on contribution to one’s community through education
