Nominations are now open for the 2024 FAAA Awards, and members are encouraged to apply for an award themselves or to nominate fellow members who they believe deliver the highest standards of financial advice to Australian consumers while also serving their community.
FAAA GM Membership, Tania Milnes, said that the awards recognise the positive, life-changing impact that good financial advice can have on Australians.
“The FAAA Awards are designed to recognise members who deliver the highest standards of professionalism and trusted advice to Australian consumers, as well as those who have gone above and beyond to support their local community through pro bono or volunteer work.
“By supporting the FAAA Awards, our members can help celebrate the commitment, talent, and passion within our profession and share the good stories about financial advice,” she said.
This year, members will also be able to nominate others for an award. “This not only encourages applicants to put themselves forward but also validates the hard work and dedication of their peers,” Ms Milnes said.
“Nominating peers fosters a culture of recognition and appreciation within your organisation, the profession, and the advice community. Recognising others’ accomplishments can lead to higher morale, increased motivation, and a stronger sense of belonging.”
The FAAA Awards recognise excellence in financial advice across six categories, and full details of the criteria for each award can be found here.
· CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year
· Adviser of the Year (sponsored by Zurich)
· Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice (sponsored by TAL)
· Professional Practice of the Year (sponsored by Cbus Super)
· Gen Next Rising Star of the Year
· University Student of the Year (sponsored by UniSuper)
Martin McGrath CFP® of Financial Edge Group, who won last year’s CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award, says: “Participating in the FAAA award process was transformative. It allowed me to reflect on my journey as a financial planner and reminded me why I do what I do. The connections and friendships made with peers during this process have been invaluable.”
Beau Riley, TAL General Manager, Retail Sales and New Business, said TAL is again proudly sponsoring the Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award, which aims to promote diversity and foster positive change within the financial advice industry.
“The award honours women who contribute significantly to their clients, profession and community, while empowering female advisers to shape the future of the industry. Over the last decade, these industry awards have celebrated numerous remarkable women who have emerged as leaders during a period of significant transformation in the advice profession.”
Kieran Forde, Head of Adviser Channel at Zurich Australia, said Zurich is pleased to be an ongoing partner of the Adviser of the Year Award.
“We are proud to support a program that recognises outstanding individuals who exemplify professionalism and high standards. This award not only celebrates individual achievements but also highlights Zurich's commitment to supporting advisers and the broader financial industry.”
Andrew Gregory, Head of Financial Advice and Education at UniSuper, said: "UniSuper is proud to sponsor the FAAA University Student of the Year Award. This award highlights exceptional work, skill and passion for advice in the next generation of talented professionals, and UniSuper congratulates all nominees. Financial advice makes a huge difference in the lives of Australians every day. But it doesn't happen by accident. Skilled, passionate people drive great advice, and this award highlights the best of the best."
All nominations for an award must include specific examples that illustrate the nominee’s professional attributes and achievements, unique contributions, leadership qualities, and the positive impact they have had on their team, organisation, the profession, or the community.
For more details and to submit a nomination for the awards, click here. Members can nominate their peers up until 24 July and award applications close on 6 August. Winners will be announced at the at Gala Dinner Ceremony at FAAA Congress, in Brisbane on 28 November.
