Championing excellence in advice
Today, more than ever, our profession needs leaders who set an uncompromising standard of excellence for all to aspire to. Excellence inspires trust and confidence in people and in businesses and will be the foundation block of the stronger, more rigorous profession that we are all committed to building.
The AFA, together with our partners, are delighted to recognise and promote excellence in our industry through the Annual AFA Awards Program which celebrates excellence, diversity, innovation and education by:
- recognising the innovative leaders in advice
- acknowledging the visionary and innovative practices
- rewarding outstanding female leaders in advice
- applauding the brightest new talent in advice; and
- commending those who are committed to pursuing higher professional standards by furthering their education.
About the awards
AFA Adviser of the Year
Since 2003, the AFA has recognised those advisers who sit at the very pinnacle of their profession. The 'Adviser of the Year' Award recognises qualities of leadership, innovation, customer focus and professional excellence that drive our industry forward. As a longstanding champion of Australian financial advisers, Zurich has proudly partnered with the award since its inception.
AFA Rising Star of the Year
The AFA Rising Star of the Year Award recognises new advisers (who have practiced for four years or less) who provide quality advice, demonstrate a commitment to education and contribute to the industry and their community. Established in 2005, ANZ Wealth is pleased to continue the support for this award and the important role the award plays in fostering emerging talent. The Award reflects the AFA’s belief that recognising excellence is integral to nurturing a strong profession.
AFA Female Excellence in Advice
Established in 2011 in conjunction with TAL, the award recognises women in financial advice who are making a significant contribution to their profession, their community and their clients. The Award promotes positive change in the financial advice sector, encouraging more women to enter the industry and take leadership roles. Importantly, it aims to give choice to Australians when it comes to choosing a financial adviser. We believe an industry with more female financial advisers and a better representation of women in senior roles can begin to address the challenges of Australian women when it comes to being adequately resourced for retirement, obtaining insurance and having access to quality advice.
AFA Excellence in Education
The AFA Excellence in Education Award recognises advisers who continually invest in themselves, their staff and their business, to raise professional standards through education and make a positive impact upon Australian’s perceptions of professional financial advisers. The award recognises and rewards advice professionals who undertake the challenge of acquiring knowledge, applying it to their business and sharing with their clients, their industry and their community.
AFA 2020 Awards program
AFA is committed to supporting our advisers and the advice community in maintaining focus on matters of immediate priority during this challenging and disruptive COVID-19 pandemic environment. We have therefore, in conjunction with our Award partners Zurich, OnePath and TAL, decided to defer the 2020 AFA Awards program to 2021. AFA is committed to championing excellence in advice through the AFA Awards program and looks forward to announcing the 2021 AFA Awards program schedule early in the new year. For enquries about the 2021 program please get in touch at events@afa.asn.au
Our 2019 Award Winners
AFA Female Excellence in Advice
Dawn Thomas, Senior Financial Adviser, Wealthwise
AFA Female Excellence in Advice of the Year 2019 Finalists:
- Felicity Cooper, Cooper Wealth Management
- Dawn Thomas, Wealthwise
- Tabitha Tworek, Insight Wealth Planning
- Tracey Ferguson, Coastal Financial Advisers
AFA Adviser of the Year
Simone Du Chesne, Principal & Financial Adviser, EQ Wealth
AFA Adviser of the Year 2019 Finalists:
- Joseph Hoe, Wealthwise
- Simone Du Chesne, EQ Wealth
- Elliot Watson, Elliot Watson Financial Planning
Excellence in Education
Ben Nash, Founder and Adviser, Pivot Wealth
AFA Excellence in Education 2019 Finalists:
- Kearsten James, Cooper Wealth Management
- Nicola Schneider, Robina Financial Solutions
- Ben Nash, Pivot Wealth
- Joseph Meawad, Trinity Financial Advisers
AFA Rising Star
Chris Carlin, Founder & Financial Planner, Master Your Money Now
AFA Rising Star of the Year 2019 Finalists:
- Rebecca Maher, The Fiscal Mum
- Daniel Jackson, DBK Financial Solutions Pty Ltd
- Chris Carlin, Master Your Money Now
- Ellie Fordham, Dozzi Financial Advice
- Jade Louise McKay, Essential Financial Advice
- Victoria Devine, Zella Wealth
