AFA announces winner of the 2006 AFA Adviser of the Year Award

Over its 60 years of involvement in the advice industry, the AFA has sought to profile professionals that have made lasting changes to the industry.  This task has led, over the past 4 years, to the selection of the AFA Adviser of the Year.

This year Troy Edmondson has been chosen as the 2006 AFA Adviser of the Year in Sydney at the 60th Annual AFA Conference.  The AFA welcomes Zurich's ongoing sponsorship of this award.

"The AFA could not have hoped for a better outcome for these awards on our 60th birthday.  Troy Edmondson is a prime example of someone running the best all-round practice.  For instance, the judges were very impressed by the processes that his practice has implemented and now delivers to every client.  He is a worthy role model for what is happening in Australian financial advising as the industry explores ways to assist increasingly sophisticated investors reach their financial dreams," said Richard Klipin, CEO of the AFA.

"Zurich ahs been a part of these awards since inception and we are not surprised as to how effective and complex practice structures have become.  What knocked us out were the similarities in professionalism wrapped around these complex service structures.  The ability of the individuals that were reviewed to anticipate client needs was astounding and showed us how prepared the better practices are now to assist busy clients who demand seamless, customised service.  We are clearly seeing a healthy, evolving industry," said Andrew McKee, Head of Life Risk at Zurich Australia.

Finalists

From a strong field of 16 nominees, the following finalists were chosen.

Troy Edmondson

Troy is a senior partner of Professional Investment Services Logan City; a Risk only practice, and one of his dealer group's most successful businesses.  Troy's business has been established for 7 years, and has over 20 PIS accounting/financial planning practices referring risk clients.

Apart from running a very successful business, Troy has developed his own insurance software packages to help other planners with the Mum and Dad risk market (ROY), as well as the Business Insurance Market (BOY).

The BOY program delivers a comprehensive summary ans SOF, provides support marketing/sales tools, produces separate legal and accountant reports and much more.  From start to finish, the whole process can take less than 90 minutes using this software.

Paul Daily

Paul is an adviser with Professional Investment Services Pty Ltd and is one of the principals of a business specialising in the provision of solution driven comprehensive advice which encompasses the client's total position, structure, needs and objectives.

Paul acts for clients at all stages of life, in both the private and public sectors across a diverse range of industries and professions.

Paul has worked in the financial services industry since 1983.  He has completed the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning), a Diploma of Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking Management) and is currently completing a Masters Degree (Financial Planning).

Adam Smith

Adam is licensed through Charter Financial Planning in Western Australia and has worked as a financial adviser since 1989.  His experience in the industry has been gained in small and large business.  He is a Risk Specialist and provides advice for individuals and businesses.

Adam has completed a Diploma in Financial Planning and CFP via the FPA.

He is a partner in HPH Solutions, which provides a total financial solution for clients, via specialist advice: http://www.hphsolutions.com.au/aboutus/profiles.html

His interests include cricket, rugby and family activities.

Paul Stott

Paul is an adviser with Tandem in WA and commenced in the financial services industry in 1981 at the age of 22 as a tied agent for AMP.

While Paul has been developing the Jardine business he has also successfully grown his own business under the "Stottsure" brand.  The Stottsure office is situated within the office of Jardine Lloyd Thompson.  Paul's philosophy has always been to build relationships on trust and mutual respect, whether in business or recreation with whoever he meets.

Paul's passion within the financial services industry is for risk insurance, in particular, to being able to cover all client needs to protect their wealth and loved ones.

James Walker-Powell

James is an adviser with Genesys Wealth Advisors and has been working in the financial planning industry since 1989.  He holds a BPE from the University of Western Australia and a Diploma of Financial Planning from Deakin University.  He is also a member of the Association of Financial Advisers and FInancial Planning Association.

James is a financial coach to a large number of legal practitioners, senior executives and small business owners.  He has developed a unique concept titled MY LIFE which focuses on the building of wealth with a purpose.  He consults to legal practices on technical aspects of superannuation and other areas of financial planning.

Judges

The 2006 Award, open to AFA member, was judged by:

• Andrew McKee: Head of Life Risk - Zurich
• Mark Fabris: Strategic Marketing Manager - Zurich
• Graham Peatey: Principal - Encore
• Peter Sobels: Consultant - Plan for Life
• Michael Murphy: President - AFA
• Richard Klipin: CEO - AFA

Criteria

The main criteria for judging the 2006 Adviser of the Year Award were:

• Qualitative assessment
• Quantitative assessment
• Contribution to the community
• Contribution to the industry
• Educational background and qualifications