Taking out the coveted FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award is Michael Hayward CFP® of Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers in Perth.

The award acknowledges Michael’s dedication to excellent client service, his innovative ideas around presenting clients with a one page SOA (Statement of Advice) supplement, and his mentorship of those around him. FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP® said, “Michael knows that trust and respect is earnt through excellent client service. His reputation has been built on the service he has provided over the past 13 years within his practice, and his client testimonials were outstanding and a testament to his work.”

Winning the FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award for 2017 is Patricia Soares Garcia AFP® of WB Financial in Brisbane. Patricia’s award application demonstrated that quality advice is more than solutions and strategy – it’s also about coaching clients to feel more confident and empowered. She is a regular mentor to those around her, and in her professional capacity she gives back to the broader community through pro bono work.

The FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award was given to Adriana Brink AFP® of Mackay-based Alman Partners. Adriana demonstrates a true ‘client first’ ethos to her work, and her technical skills and ability to execute complex strategies was noted by the judges. She takes the lead in mentoring new staff and gives pro bono assistance with Aged Care and Centrelink clients.

For the second year running a WA-based business has won the FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award. Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers in Perth was hailed a leader in the promotion of professional advice, and an industry thought-leader, with a focus on educating clients. The practice was also commended for its investment in quality people and its ongoing contribution to the community. The win rounds off a special year for the business, with the CFP Professional of the Year winner Michael Hayward also being from Capital Partners.

The FPA University Student of the Year Award was given to Azaria Bell of Griffith University in recognition of her academic excellence and commitment to becoming a future leader within financial planning.

An active and respected member of her university, she is passionate about encouraging her peers to consider the opportunities of a career in financial planning. The Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award recognises the highest performing student in the final unit of the CFP® Certification Program.

Michael Forer AFP® from Next Level Financial Services in Melbourne is the 2017 Semester 2 winner of the honorary award named after the late “first lady of financial planning”. Mr De Gori said, “The rigorous CFP® Certification Assessment unit demands students be at the top of their game, so to receive the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award is a significant achievement. Michael’s outstanding results reflect his commitment and dedication, and I congratulate him on his efforts.”

The winner of the Future2 Community Service Award is Reuben Zelwer CFP® of Adapt Wealth Management in Melbourne, who plays an instrumental role in educating and empowering those experiencing personal and financial hardship within the community organisation, Jewish Care Victoria. Over the past 10 years, Reuben has dedicated his time to setting up and growing the financial services support offered to this community, including valuable programs such as a financial counselling service and financial literacy for high schools students.

The 2017 FPA Award winners:

• FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year: Michael Hayward, CFP® Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers, Perth, WA
• FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year: Patricia Soares Garcia AFP® WB Financial, Brisbane, QLD
• FPA Paraplanner of the Year: Adriana Brink AFP® Alman Partners, Mackay, QLD
• FPA University Student of the Year: Azaria Bell, Bachelor of Commerce student Griffith University, QLD
• Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award: Michael Forer AFP® Next Level Financial Services, Melbourne, VIC
• Future2 Community Service Award: Reuben Zelwer CFP® Adapt Wealth Management, Melbourne, VIC
• FPA Professional Practice of the Year: Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers, Perth, WA

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Recognising outstanding planners, paraplanners, students and practices, the awards celebrate individuals and businesses who demonstrate a commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for clients, and those who have made a notable contribution to their local community.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP^® said there had been a record number of entries for this year’s awards and that finalists had all demonstrated the highest professional standards.

“Once again the judging panel has been very impressed by the volume and quality of award entries this year. The finalists represent the best of the best in our profession and I look forward to announcing the winners at Congress in November.”

Commenting on the Future2 Community Service Award, Mr De Gori said those on the shortlist deserved a special mention.

“Future2, the philanthropic arm of the FPA, has awarded $823,000 in grants since 2007. Our members continue to raise funds for grassroots programs that transform the lives of young people who through no fault of their own, struggle to make a ‘go’ in life.

“I’m particularly proud of our members who commit their time and energy to improving the circumstances of the most socially excluded or financially disadvantaged members of the community.”

Depending on the category, award winners will receive access to consumer media opportunities, financial contribution to professional development and complimentary registration to the FPA Professionals Congress.

The winners will be announced at the FPA Professionals Congress in Hobart on 23 November, along with the latest winner of the bi-annual Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award. For more information visit the FPA Professionals Congress.

The shortlist for each award is as follows:

FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® Professional of the Year Award

• Paul Benson CFP^® – Guidance Financial Services
• Michael Hayward CFP^® – Capital Partners Consulting
• Robert Zammit CFP^® – RSM Financial Services Australia

FPA Financial Planner AFP^® of the Year Award

• Felicity Cooper AFP^® – Cooper Wealth Management
• Nicholas Lloyd AFP^® – ITL Financial Planning Patricia
• Soares Garcia AFP^® – WB Financial

FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award

• Adriana Brink AFP^® – Alman Partners
• Laura Buckley AFP^® – Momentum Planning
• Travis Schindler – Hewison Private Wealth

Future2 Community Service Award

• Mary-Louise Gnoato AFP^® – Commonwealth Financial Planning
• Luke McCoy CFP^® – Elevate Financial Solutions
• Reuben Zelwer CFP^® – Adapt Wealth Management

FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award

• Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers – Perth (WA)
• Eureka Whittaker Macnaught – Sydney & Brisbane (NSW & QLD)
• MBA Financial Strategists – Adelaide (SA)

FPA University Student of the Year Award

• Azaria Bell
• Jonathon Halls AFP^®
• David Steyn

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