FAAA announces winner of Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award for semester one 2025

David Ormsby of O’Sullivan Financial has been awarded the Gwen Fletcher  Memorial Award for semester one of 2025 by the FAAA.

Mr Ormsby is a financial adviser at O’Sullivan Financial based in Brisbane. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning and Finance which included a minor in Taxation at Griffith University. He is currently undertaking study for a Master of Financial Planning qualification.

Named after the late ‘First Lady of Financial Planning’, the award recognises the highest performing student in the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification Unit (CFP C) for each semester, with demonstrable dedication to providing high-quality financial advice. The CFP® designation is the largest and best-recognised financial planning designation globally.

Mr Ormsby said receiving the award is a proud moment in his professional journey, and will set him up for success during the next phase of his career.

“It’s incredibly rewarding and a little surreal to receive this honour. When I first learned about the award I was inspired by Gwen Fletcher’s impact on financial planning in Australia, which makes this recognition even more meaningful,” Mr Ormsby said.

“I would highly encourage anyone serious about a career in financial planning to pursue their CFP accreditation. It’s a challenging program, but incredibly rewarding. The depth of knowledge you gain, especially around strategy, ethics, and client engagement, really sets you up to deliver meaningful advice.”

David Sharpe CFP®, FAAA chair, applauded Mr Ormsby’s efforts during the program and acknowledged those that completed CFP certification this semester. 

“This is a fantastic achievement by David, and I particularly congratulate him on his ongoing commitment to the highest levels of education in financial planning.  Such commitment honours the legacy of Gwen Fletcher who was a pioneer in education for financial planners and who elevated our profession to another level,” Mr Sharpe said.

“Everyone who takes part in the CFP® Certification Program puts in a high degree of work and effort, so it has been a consistent challenge to select a recipient of the award each semester.

“David has demonstrated strong dedication and commitment to his studies, and on behalf of the FAAA, I congratulate him on reaching the highest level of professional certification in financial planning.”

The other financial advisers who successfully completed the CFP certification this semester alongside Mr Ormsby were: Katrina Dhu, David Selby, Erica Williams, Matthew Tsimos, Matthew Crick, Amber Dawson, Victor Idoko, Ling Feng, Eleanor Bagg, Sebastian Pfab, Rosie Bouton, Wen Chien Chang, Thomas Gray, Cameron Fraser, James Alexander, Yanni Mavrikis, Adam Drakos, Rhiannon Karey, Mengying Wu, Imogen Kate Roles, Michal Lancemore and Steven Amor.

The CFP designation is the most respected financial planning designation globally, with more than 223,700 CFP professionals worldwide. It is a symbol of excellence for financial planners around the world who are actively committed through higher education and accountability to adhering to world-class professional and ethical standards. The CFP designation offers financial planning professionals a way to differentiate themselves in the profession. 

“The CFP Certification Program is an important part of the FAAA’s efforts to equip planners with the skills needed to provide the best quality financial advice to Australians. We continue to see more members taking part in the course, benefitting the broader financial planning profession in Australia and those seeking advice,” Mr Sharpe said.