Celebrating female leadership and innovation in advice
Deborah Kent
The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and leading life insurer TAL have jointly launched and opened nominations for the 2015 AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award (the Award).
Now in its fifth year, the Award showcases women in financial advice who are making a significant contribution to their clients, the profession and the community .
AFA National President, , said the Award provides a platform for both the AFA and TAL to promote positive change in the financial advice sector by raising the profile of the profession and giving female financial advisers the tools and support they need to achieve excellence.
“The Female Excellence in Advice Award is the pinnacle award for women in financial advice,” Ms Kent said. “Since inception, the aim of the Award has been to encourage more women to enter the financial services industry and pursue financial advice roles, thereby giving greater gender choice to Australians when it comes to getting financial advice.”
Despite increased employment opportunities for women, Ms Kent said their representation in financial advice remains low. “In recognising the talents and contributions of female financial advisers we hope to inspire more women to join the profession and promote the value of financial advice to the community.”
TAL General Manager of Retail Distribution Niall McConville said the Award also plays an important role in addressing the challenges experienced by Australian women when it comes to obtaining financial advice and protection.
“We have a long way to go to provide greater awareness, understanding and access to financial advice for women, which is why TAL and the AFA jointly initiated the Female Excellence in Advice Award,” said Mr McConville.
“TAL believes greater representation by women in financial advice is critical to ensure the advice profession properly mirrors community diversity and helps empower women to take more control of their financial future.
“We are urging female advisers who demonstrate their passion for the profession and their ability to change the lives of Australians by ensuring they make better decisions about their financial future, to apply for this year’s Female Excellence in Advice Award.”
Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM) is offering this year’s AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award winner a full scholarship (valued at $10,000) to complete an Executive Education Development Program of their choice. All semi-finalists will have the opportunity to participate in a Leadership Master Class as part of the Award program.
The 2015 Female Excellence in Advice Award winner will be announced at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Cairns 25-27 October.
Nominations for the AFA Female Excellence in Advice Award close on 17 July with applications closing on 24 July.