Sponsored by specialist insurance company PPS Mutual, the award recognises practices where life insurance sits at the core of the business model, culture and client proposition. It is open to firms generating more than 50 per cent of annual new business revenue from life insurance-related business, with entrants assessed across five criteria: customer excellence, commercial strategy, continuous improvement, cultural strength and industry contribution.
The judging panel scored submissions across these criteria to determine an overall result for each practice. Finalists demonstrated strengths including business growth and client retention, claims expertise, governance and compliance, investment in emerging advisers, technology innovation and contribution to the wider risk advice profession.
The 2027 finalists are:
- Beaulife Group
- DPM Financial Services
- Hood Sweeney
- MBS Insurance
- Navita Wealth
- Oakmont Financial Group
- Skye Wealth
Michael Pillemer, CEO of PPS Mutual, said the finalists demonstrated the expertise and ongoing client support at the heart of specialist risk advice.
“When illness or injury affects a client’s ability to work, specialist risk advisers can play an important role in helping them understand their cover and navigate a claim. This award recognises the expertise, preparation and ongoing support behind that work.
“The judging panel’s feedback highlighted the exceptional calibre of submissions and the challenge of selecting the finalists. Judges noted the sophistication of some of the strongest entries, including dedicated claims teams, structured career pathways, internally developed technology and carefully governed adoption of AI.
“The panel also highlighted extensive professional partnerships and significant investment in the future of risk advice. It is encouraging to see that commitment to building strong businesses, supporting clients and contributing to the wider profession,” Pillemer said.
Supporting specialist risk advice
Pillemer said the award was also an opportunity for PPS Mutual to support the advice community.
“Advisers are central to how we serve our Members. As a mutual owned by our Australian Members, we see supporting a strong specialist advice profession as one way to support their long-term interests.
“With the profession under real pressure, we see it as our role to help strengthen it for the long term. Alongside recognising excellence, we want to create opportunities for advisers to learn from one another and bring practical ideas back to their businesses.”
That commitment extended to every entrant, not only the finalists. All practices that entered were invited to an exclusive online workshop, What High-Performing Advice Firms Do Differently, facilitated by Sue Viskovic, Head of Consulting at Vital Business Partners.
Feedback from the post-event survey was positive, with all respondents rating the workshop as very or extremely valuable. Participants valued the opportunity to discuss technology, AI tools and practice efficiency, and to learn from fellow specialist risk advisers.
The finalists now move to the final stage of judging, which includes client feedback. The winner of the 2027 Risk Practice of the Year Award, sponsored by PPS Mutual will be announced in early 2027.
“We congratulate all seven finalists and thank every practice that entered. Putting together a submission takes time and reflection, and we appreciate every entrant’s willingness to share their work and experience. Alongside celebrating the finalists, we want to recognise every entrant’s commitment to their clients and encourage practices to keep sharing their ideas and learning from one another,” Pillemer concluded.