Brad Fox
The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and Zurich have announced the grand finalists in the prestigious 2015 AFA Adviser of the Year and Practice of the Year Awards (the Awards).
The Adviser of the Year Award was first presented in 2003, as a joint initiative between the AFA and Zurich, and is regarded as Australia’s most prestigious award for financial advice. This year also represents just the second time that the best financial advice practice will be honoured through a separate award.
AFA CEO Brad Fox acknowledged this year’s standard of nominees as being outstanding, saying it emphasizes the excellent job advisers are doing for their clients and communities.
“The financial advice community can be deservedly proud of the quality of advice being given in Australia. The grand finalists are, each in their own way, outstanding performers that exemplify the creation of client value through quality financial advice, service and professionalism,” said Mr Fox.
Mr Philip Kewin, Zurich’s GM of Retail Life & Investments, said that the calibre of this year’s grand finalists was exceptional.
“I think now more than ever advisers are looking for standard bearers, those visionaries who can inspire and lead their peers through uncertainty and who we are proud to showcase as representing the very best of the advice profession,” he said.
“While there is a diverse range of business models represented amongst this year’s grand finalists, they all share in common an unrelenting focus on their customers and real commitment to giving back to their profession; characteristics that can help all advisers navigate the challenges that lay ahead,” Mr Kewin said. “As the advice profession looks to chart a new course to an exciting future, the role of these awards in shining a light on, and sharing best practice becomes vital.”
The Grand Finalists for the Adviser of the Year Award are:
- PJ Byrne, Mr Insurance, QLD
- David Reed, The Retirement Advice Centre, NSW
- Catherine Robson, Affinity Private, VIC
The Grand Finalists for the Practice of the Year Award are:
- Announcer, NSW
- Kearney Group, VIC
- Robina Financial Services, QLD
The winner of the Awards will be decided in Sydney through a full day showcase to a panel of expert judges with the announcement to be made at the 2015 AFA National Adviser Conference in Cairns from 25-27 October.