The 2026 FAAA Awards recognise advisers and practices delivering the highest standards of professional advice to Australian consumers. The awards also acknowledge those who go above and beyond, giving back to their communities through pro bono work and volunteering. Additionally, the awards celebrate the next generation of advisers coming through university programs, recognising the emerging talent that will shape the future of the profession.

FAAA general manger membership and strategic initiatives, Tania Milnes, says this year’s finalists reflect the breadth of talent across the profession.

“The FAAA awards acknowledge those who are truly committed to putting their clients first, supporting their communities, and raising standards across financial advice.

“Each finalist embodies the professionalism and care that defines our profession, whether through their exceptional client work, their leadership within their organisations, their contributions to their local community, or their potential as emerging professionals,” Ms Milnes said.

The finalists of theFAAA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award are:

• Scott Quinlan CFP®, Solace Financial
• Dawn Thomas CFP®, The Wealth Designers
• John Versace CFP®, Apt Wealth Partners

The finalists for the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Awardare:

• Sophie Doyle, Morgans Financial Limited
• Morgan Hayward, Lume Wealth
• Andrea Jenkins CFP®, Jenbury Financial

The finalists for FAAA Risk Adviser of the Year Award are:

• Mark Everingham CFP®, Personal Risk Professionals
• Cameron Peck CFP®, Safeguard Life

The finalists for FAAA Holistic Adviser of the Year Award are:

• Nathan Fradley FChFP, Fradley Advice Pty Ltd
• Charmaine Hall, Unbound Financial

The finalists for the FAAA Professional Practice of the Year Award are:

• Apt Wealth Partners, VIC
• Oxlade Financial, QLD
• Solace Financial, QLD

The finalists for the FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year Award are:

• Eleanor Bagg CFP®, EJM Advice
• Braden King, Everest Wealth
• Lydia Toghill, Collins SBA

The finalists for the FAAA University Student of the Year Award are:

• Kayla Bradfield, Swinburne University of Technology
• Linda Connolly, Deakin University
• Jaxon Goddard, Curtin University

Ms Milnes thanked the award supporters, noting their dedication to recognising excellence across the profession.

“We’re grateful for the support of our award sponsors, who share our commitment to advancing standards in financial advice. Their involvement in the awards program reinforces the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of the advisers and practices leading the way in our profession.”

Kieran Forde, head of adviser channel at Zurich Australia, sponsors of the FAAA Adviser of the Year Award and Risk Adviser of the Year Award, said Zurich congratulates the finalists for their achievements and for leading the way in financial advice.

“What stands out about this year’s finalists across both categories is the dedication, professionalism and client focus they bring to their work every day.

“Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and recognition of the high standards being upheld across the advice profession. The strength of this year’s field reflects the important role advisers play in helping Australians make confident financial decisions, and every finalist should be proud of this recognition.”

Andrew Gregory, chief advice officer at UniSuper, sponsor of the FAAA University Student of the Year Award, said the calibre of entrants for this award continues to impress.

“UniSuper is proud to support the next generation of advice professionals through this award for a third year. With more nominations received than ever before, it is inspiring to see so many emerging professionals recognised for their genuine commitment to the future of financial advice.”

Beau Riley, general manager retail at TAL, sponsor of the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award, said the finalists are being recognised not only for the quality of advice they deliver, but for the example they set across the profession.

“These finalists show what’s possible when you combine real expertise with genuine care for your clients. Through their leadership, professionalism and commitment to delivering better client outcomes, they’re inspiring others and helping strengthen the future of advice.

“Congratulations to everyone who made the finals. It’s a privilege to see the impact you’re having on your clients, your communities and the industry. Well deserved.”

Tickets to the FAAA Congress 2026 and FAAA Awards Gala Dinner are now available via the FAAA website.

The post Finalists announced for the 2026 FAAA Awards appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Tania Milnes

The 2026 FAAA Awards are now open, with members encouraged to submit an application, or encourage their peers to do so. The FAAA Awards are designed to recognise members who deliver the highest standards of professionalism and trusted advice to Australian consumers, as well as those who have gone above and beyond to support their local community through pro bono and volunteer work.

This year, a new sub-category has been introduced with the FAAA Adviser of the Year –risk award, designed to recognise practitioners who specialise in risk-related advice.

Tania Milnes, general manager, membership and strategic initiatives, at the FAAA says the introduction of the FAAA Adviser of the Year – risk Award reflects the evolving landscape of financial advice and the critical role risk advisers play in protecting Australian clients.

“Risk advice is often the foundation of a comprehensive financial strategy, and this new award shines a well-deserved spotlight on their work.

“Alongside our existing categories, the 2026 FAAA Awards now celebrate the full breadth of excellence across our profession, from CFP® professionals to rising stars, practitioners making a difference in their communities, and the emerging talent shaping our future.

“We encourage all members to get involved and help us tell the stories of the advisers who are changing their clients’ lives every day,” Ms Milnes says.

The 2026 FAAA Awards recognise excellence in financial advice across seven categories. Full details of the criteria for each award can be found here.

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year
• Adviser of the Year – holistic (sponsored by Zurich)
• Adviser of the Year – risk (sponsored by Zurich) – NEW for 2026
• Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice (sponsored by TAL)
• FAAA Professional Practice of the Year (open to practices in the FAAA Professional Practice Program)
• Gen Next Rising Star of the Year
• University Student of the Year (sponsored by UniSuper)

Kieran Forde, head of adviser channel at Zurich Australia, congratulated all advisers nominated.

“For over 23 years now Zurich has been proud to partner with the FAAA in recognising excellence across the financial advice profession. The quality of nominations received this year reflects the strength and professionalism of Australia’s advice community.

“We are particularly pleased to support the introduction of the Risk Adviser of the Year Award, which shines a spotlight on advisers making a meaningful difference through life insurance advice. We congratulate all nominated advisers and thank them for their ongoing commitment to helping Australians build financial confidence, security and resilience,” Forde says.

Beau Riley, general manager, retail sales, and new business at TAL says: “TAL is proud to support the Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award to recognise the women shaping the future of financial advice.

“These advisers set high standards through the way they show up – with care, integrity and a strong commitment to putting their clients first. Great advice is built on trust, consistency and doing what’s right, and this Award celebrates those who embody these values every day.

“We’re honoured to shine a light on their impact and to support them as they continue to make a difference for their clients, communities and the profession.”

Andrew Gregory, chief advice officer at UniSuper, says: “UniSuper is proud to sponsor the FAAA University Student of the Year Award for the third year running.

“This award recognises emerging talent shaping the future of financial advice through dedication, fresh thinking and a genuine commitment to making a difference. It’s an honour to judge the award entrants, and the rising calibre of entrants each year reflects both the strength of the profession and the opportunities ahead.

“I look forward to recognising this year’s nominees and celebrating their achievements at the Awards Gala in November.”

All submissions for an award must include specific examples that illustrate the applicant’s professional attributes and advice-related achievements, unique contributions, leadership qualities, and the positive impact they have had on their clients, their team,  the profession, and the community.

For more details and to submit an application, click here. Members can submit award applications until 30 July. Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner Ceremony at the FAAA Congress in Melbourne on 26 November.

The post 2026 FAAA Awards open for submissions appeared first on AdviserVoice.

The awards acknowledge members who are committed to delivering the highest standards of trusted and professional advice to Australian consumers, as well as those who go above and beyond to support their local community through pro bono and volunteer work. Additionally, the awards highlight the contribution of outstanding university students who represent the future of the financial advice profession.

FAAA general manager membership, Tania Milnes, said the awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements across the wider advice profession and those who give extra effort to assist in their field and local community.

“The FAAA awards continue to recognise and celebrate those within the Australian financial advice profession that showcase the highest standards of professionalism and care.

“Financial advice is important for all Australians in maximising resilience and achieving their financial outcomes, therefore we recognise dedicated advisers who are committed to helping fellow Australians do so,” Ms Milnes said.

The finalists of the FAAA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award are:

• Sarah Leslie CFP®, Story Wealth Management
• Mark O’Flynn CFP®, Oxlade Financial
• Joe Stephan CFP®, Stephan Independent Advisory

The finalists for FAAAAdviser of the Year Awardare:

• Nikki Booth, My Wealth Solutions
• Adam Lai, Green Associates
• Christine Swanson, Prominent Financial Services

The finalists of the FAAA Professional Practice of the Year Award are:

• Boutique Advisers, WA
• Oxlade Financial, QLD
• WARR HUNT, VIC

The finalists for the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award are:

• Melody Edwards CFP®, Evalesco Financial Services
• Morgan Hayward, Lume Wealth
• Kelly King, Iconic Wealth

The finalists for the FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year Award are:

• Aayush Sharma, Frost Financial Services
• Shannon Victor, Oxlade Financial
• Aden Wilkins CFP®, Capital Partners

The finalists for the FAAA University Student of the Year Award are:

• Leah Dhu, Curtin University
• Katherine Mitterer, University of South Australia
• Callum Wishart, University of Queensland

Ms Milnes thanked the supporters of the awards, noting their commitment to the advancement of excellence in financial advice.

“This important recognition can’t happen without the help of our award sponsors, and we thank them for their ongoing support and commitment to excellence in our profession.”

Kieran Forde, head of adviser channel at Zurich Australia, the sponsors of the FAAA Adviser of the Year Award, said Zurich congratulates the finalists for their achievements and for leading the way in our industry. 

“Each of the three outstanding professionals has set themselves apart through their commitment to excellence, integrity, and the highest standards of advice. Their passion for helping clients achieve financial wellbeing is matched by their positive impact on the wider financial advice community.”

Beau Riley, general manager retail sales and new business at TAL, sponsor of the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award, said the award recognises the remarkable impact women have across the profession.

“All the finalists have showcased what great advice really looks like – exceptional leadership combined with genuine care for clients and communities.

“Hearing the candidates’ stories has been a privilege, and they’re a powerful reminder of the role advisers play in helping Australians build confident financial futures. Congratulations to all finalists on this well-deserved recognition.”

Andrew Gregory, chief advice officer at UniSuper, sponsor of the FAAA University Student of the Year Award, said the calibre of entrants for this award continues to rise.

“UniSuper is delighted to support the next generation of advice professionals through this award for a second year. The future looks bright when emerging professionals are creating positive impact on the financial planning profession and their communities.”

The post Finalists announced for the 2025 FAAA Awards appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Tania Milnes, general manager, membership, at the FAAA says the awards program celebrates the powerful and transformative impact that financial advice can have on Australians.

“The FAAA Awards recognise members and FAAA Professional Practices who consistently uphold the highest standards of professionalism and trusted advice, while also acknowledging those who give back to their communities through pro bono or volunteer work,” she says.

“By supporting these awards, our members are helping to highlight the dedication, skill, and passion that define our profession, and to tell the poitive stories that too often go unheard.”

For the second year, peer nominations are encouraged, offering members the chance to recognise the achievements of colleagues.

“This not only encourages individuals to put themselves forward but also acts to affirm the commitment and contribution of their peers,” Ms Milnes says.

“Nominating a peer has been successful in encouraging our unsung heroes to apply, especially those less inclined to put themselves forward.

“Now more than ever, we want to shine a light on the life-changing advice our members deliver to clients every day.”

The FAAA Awards recognise excellence in financial advice across six categories, and full details of the criteria for each award can be found here. 

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year
• Adviser of the Year (sponsored by Zurich)
• Professional Practice of the Year
• Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice (sponsored by TAL)
• Gen Next Rising Star of the Year
• University Student of the Year (sponsored by UniSuper)

Kieran Forde, head of adviser channel at Zurich Australia, expressed Zurich’s enthusiasm for continuing its long partnership with the FAAA to support the Adviser of the Year Award. 

“Zurich is thrilled to support a program that honours exceptional advisers who embody professionalism and excellence. The advice industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, and we are seeing renewed optimism and confidence in its future. 

“This award not only celebrates individual accomplishments but also highlights Zurich’s ongoing commitment to fostering growth and a brighter future for advisers and the broader financial services community,” Mr Forde says.

Beau Riley, general manager, retail sales, at TAL says: “TAL has proudly supported this Award for more than a decade. We think it’s important to shine a light on the positive impact women have on financial advice. Their leadership, expertise, and dedication support not just their clients’ financial futures but also their communities and the profession. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate their stories of success and leadership, as well as encouraging a more diverse and inclusive future for the industry.”   

Andrew Gregory, head of financial advice and education at UniSuper, says: “As the home for advice professionals, UniSuper is proud to again sponsor the 2025 FAAA University Student of the Year Award. This award shines a light on future leaders in our profession, their skill, passion, and the bright future they represent. Financial advice has the power to change lives and is driven by advice professionals who care deeply about the impact they make. Congratulations to all the nominees on this well-deserved recognition.”

All nominations for an award must include specific examples that illustrate the nominee’s professional attributes and achievements, unique contributions, leadership qualities, and the positive impact they have had on their team, organisation, the profession, and the community.

For more details and to submit a nomination or application, click here. Members can nominate their peers up until 15 July and award applications close on 3 August. Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner Ceremony at the FAAA Congress in Perth on 19 November.

The post 2025 FAAA Awards open for nominations appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Bianca Musico

The winners of the FAAA annual awards have been announced at this year’s FAAA Congress in Brisbane.

The awards are a highlight of the FAAA calendar and recognise members who deliver the highest standards of professional financial advice, as well as those who go above and beyond to support their local communities. The awards also highlight the contribution of outstanding university students who represent the exciting future of the financial advice profession.

The winner of the FAAA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award is Bianca Musico CFP® at WARR HUNT, Melbourne.

FAAA chief executive officer, Sarah Abood, said the award is a testament to Ms Musico’s passion for developing the next generation of advisers and ensuring as many people as possible gain access to sound financial advice.

Ms Musico joined the firm in 2013 and holds leadership responsibility in the important head of advice role. She became a principal of the firm in 2024.

“Bianca has demonstrated a clear passion for the financial planning profession, and we commend her selfless focus on developing talent in our profession,” Ms Abood said.

“Bianca has played a key role in helping her clients achieve their financial goals for more than a decade, and she is to be congratulated as this year’s FAAA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year.”

The winner of the FAAA Professional Practice of the Year Award is Capital Partners, based in Perth. Established in 1999 by David Andrew, the firm has grown significantly over the past two decades and now employs 50 staff members. Ms Abood noted Capital Partners’ holistic approach to financial advice, focusing on aligning clients’ wealth with their personal values and life goals, and its comprehensive and sustained commitment to both business and succession planning.

John Cachia, founder and strategic wealth adviser of Melbourne based company Thriving Wealth is the winner of FAAA Adviser of the Year (sponsored by Zurich Australia). Ms Abood noted Mr Cachia’s 21 years’ experience in the financial services profession, and his success in integrating the wealth coaching and behavioural finance disciplines with financial planning.

Kieran Forde, head of adviser channel at Zurich Australia (sponsor of the FAAA Adviser of the Year) congratulated John Cachia for winning this award.

“Being part of the judging panel and seeing first-hand the talent and passion from all nominees has been an honour. John demonstrated outstanding expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement.”

Deline Jacovides, CFP® and director of Mazi Wealth – a boutique financial advice firm based in Brisbane – received the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award (sponsored by TAL). Ms Abood noted Ms Jacovides strives to inspire more women to both seek and provide financial advice and is a fierce advocate for closing the superannuation gender gap and improving financial literacy. She also serves as the treasurer for Women in Super QLD, contributing to the organisation’s efforts to enhance women’s financial security.

Beau Riley, general manager, retail sales & new business of TAL (sponsor of the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award), said Ms Jacovides is a very deserving winner of the 2024 Award.

“Deline should be applauded for being an outstanding financial adviser and giving back to her community by empowering more women to take control of their financial futures”.

Jakob Ayres, a provisional adviser at Apt Wealth Partners Melbourne, was the FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year. He joined Apt Wealth Partners in 2020, in Apt Wealth’s graduate program and became an adviser with his own client base through Apt’s Professional Year program in 2023. He is currently studying for his CFP certification and was awarded top student in Unit 2 of his studies. Ms Abood noted Mr Ayres’ passion for helping others and making a difference in the community, which is what drew him to the financial advice profession initially.

The FAAA University Student of the Year Award (sponsored by UniSuper) was awarded to Emma McKenzie from the Central-West of NSW. Says Ms Abood, “Emma’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the financial advice profession, particularly in relation to bridging the advice gap for Australians in regional areas, really stood out. She has sought to continue her professional growth and pursued further education opportunities with Deakin University, firstly achieving a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning and then later a Graduate Diploma and is now working towards obtaining a Masters Degree.”

Andrew Gregory, general manager, financial advice and education with UniSuper (sponsor of the FAAA University Student of the Year award), said: “UniSuper celebrates the recognition of Emma McKenzie.

“This award holds a special place in our hearts as we understand the transformative power of education. Alongside the FAAA, UniSuper are committed to nurturing the next generation of advice professionals in the sector.”

FAAA general manger for membership, Tania Milnes, said the awards were a chance to celebrate achievements across the wider advice profession and shine a light on those that have gone above and beyond in their field and in their community.

“The FAAA awards recognise excellence within the Australian financial advice profession and celebrate those demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism and care. I congratulate all the winners and the finalists at this year’s awards. Together, we can celebrate the best of financial planning in Australia,” she said.

Ms Abood said Australia has the highest standards in the world for the provision of financial advice, and the role of the profession remains critical.

“Financial advice is critically important for all Australians in maximising their financial resilience, achieving their goals and having confidence about what the future holds,” she said.

“The FAAA awards are a way of recognising dedicated advisers who are committed to helping fellow Australian achieve better financial outcomes.”

Ms Abood also thanked the sponsors of the awards – and pointed to their commitment to the advancement of excellence in financial advice.

The post Top advisers recognised at 2024 FAAA Awards appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Tania Milnes, general manager membership with FAAA, said this is the second year of the FAAA Awards.

“The FAAA Awards are designed to recognise members who deliver the highest standards of professionalism and trusted advice to Australian consumers, as well as those who have gone above and beyond to support their local community through pro bono and volunteer work.

“The awards also highlight the outstanding university students who represent the bright future of the financial advice profession.”

The finalists in the 2024 FAAA Awards for each professional category are:

FAAA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award

• Teneale Laister CFP® – Alman Partners (QLD)
• Bianca Musico CFP® – Warr Hunt (VIC)
• Scott Quinlan CFP® – Solace Financial (QLD)

FAAA Adviser of the Year (sponsored by Zurich Australia)

• Melinda Brown – UniSuper Advice (NSW)
• John Cachia – Thriving Wealth (VIC)
• Rebecca Pritchard – Rising Tide Financial Services (VIC)

FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award (sponsored by TAL)

• Robyn Arnold – Kreate Wealth (QLD)
• Kelsey Dent – Alman Partners (QLD)
• Magdeline Jacovides CFP® – Mazi Wealth (QLD)

FAAA Professional Practice of the Year (sponsored by Cbus Super)

• Capital Partners (WA)
• Warr Hunt (VIC)
• Alman Partners (QLD)

FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year

• Jakob Ayres – Apt Wealth Partners (VIC)
• Kirra Sharrock – Bravium (ACT)
• Simone Vasnaik – Verse Wealth (VIC)

FAAA University Student of the Year (sponsored by UniSuper)

• Phillip Ambrose – QUT
• Emma McKenzie – Deakin University
• Brandon Rerrie – Griffith University

Ms Milnes paid tribute to the companies sponsoring four of the award categories, noting their commitment to supporting excellence in financial advice.

“Now more than ever, we want to shine the light on the positive, life-changing advice that FAAA members provide to their clients.  By supporting the FAAA Awards, they help us celebrate commitment, talent, and passion within our profession.”

Zurich Australia head of adviser channel, Kieran Forde, said: “The three finalists for the Adviser of the Year award have distinguished themselves by exemplifying excellence and the highest professional standards.

“They are dedicated professionals, whose contributions greatly benefit their clients and the broader financial community.”

TAL general manager, retail sales & new business, Beau Riley, said: “The Financial Advice Association of Australia Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award highlights the outstanding contributions women make in the financial advice profession, and the three finalists exemplify excellence in delivering high-quality financial advice and helping their clients secure their financial futures. They serve to inspiring others to join the financial planning community and we honour their success.”

Cbus Super senior manager, advice services, Simon Power said: “The quality of the applications this year for the FAAA Professional Practice of the Year award has, once again, made it a difficult task to choose the finalists. All finalists should feel extremely proud of their achievements and the strong client focus they clearly demonstrate.”

UniSuper general manager, financial advice and education, Andrew Gregory, said: “With so many exceptional entries for the FAAA University Student of the Year, selecting a winner will be no easy task. Congratulations to the finalists who set the standard for excellence. It’s clear that the future of our profession is in good hands, and UniSuper is committed to supporting the next generation of advisers who will drive our industry forward.”

The winners in each category will be announced at the FAAA Awards Gala Dinner at the FAAA Congress in Brisbane on 28 November.  

The post FAAA announces 2024 Awards finalists appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Beau Riley

Leading Australian life insurance specialist, TAL, has announced the release of its updated Accelerated Protection series with redesigned products aimed at meeting the needs of a broader range of Australians, more affordably.

The updated Accelerated Protection series recognises that advisers value having options available that can deliver against the diverse individual needs of their clients.

TAL is also committed to providing financial advisers with sustainable products that feature predictable and sustainable pricing over the long term.

This has now been complemented by greater up-front affordability across all products, with the 5% Health Sense Plus discount now more readily accessible from policy inception through the removal of the BMI requirement for eligibility.

TAL General Manager, Retail Sales and New Business, Beau Riley, said: “We regularly review our propositions to ensure they continue to meet the needs of advisers and their clients, and we have identified opportunities with our redesigned Accelerated Protection products to extend our proposition to meet the needs of a broader set of customers.”

“At the same time, we understand that many Australians are experiencing cost of living challenges and juggling tight household budgets. Our updated Health Sense Plus offering not only plays an important role in encouraging clients to engage with, monitor and maintain their health, it also enhances policy affordability at inception while enabling sustainable pricing to be maintained over the life of the product.”

“The role advisers have in helping clients to navigate their financial journey is an essential one, and our updated Accelerated Protection series is designed to provide advisers with more options for meeting clients’ diverse needs, more affordably,” said Mr Riley.

Features of the updated Accelerated Protection series, available from 8 September, include:

• long-term affordable benefits accessible to a broader range of customers
• more tailored TPD pricing and new occupation classes, allowing more customers to be covered
• income Protection benefit changes that accommodate a wider set of genuine insurance needs
• changes to levels of cover available for some Life Insurance and Critical Illness.

The post TAL helps advisers assist more clients, more affordably with release of redesigned Accelerated Protection products appeared first on AdviserVoice.

The Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) has launched the inaugural FAAA Awards, and TAL is proud to sponsor the award celebrating outstanding female leadership in the financial advice profession, an award category it has supported for over a decade.

The awards, created following the formation of the merged industry representative body, FAAA, aim to recognise people who deliver the highest standards of professional and trusted advice to Australians.

TAL General Manager, Retail Sales and New Business, Beau Riley, said the FAAA Awards provide a welcome opportunity for TAL to support a strong financial advice profession, at a time when the industry is increasingly advocating for the value of diversity.

“Financial advisers have a vital role in the community through helping Australians make financial decisions and plan with confidence for the future. Diversity in advice is important for clients, advisers and the profession, providing pathways for more women to seek the help of a professional adviser and ensuring the profession better reflects the community it represents.”

“The Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award provides a platform to champion diversity and continue to drive positive change within financial advice, celebrating the women who are making a significant contribution to their profession, their community and their clients, while also acting as a springboard for female advisers to influence the future of the industry,” he said.

“Over the past 10 years, we have seen many incredible women celebrated through these industry excellence awards, going on to lead the way during a time of considerable evolution for the advice profession.”

“Many of the past winners and finalists have run important initiatives in their communities like financial literacy programs, pro bono advice and helping more women with their finances.”

“This category recognises outstanding women in financial advice who illustrate a commitment to excellence and delivering significant client outcomes, reflecting TAL’s values and partnership principles.”

“We encourage advisers to participate across all categories of the inaugural FAAA awards.”

Applications for the FAAA Awards opened on 21 August and close at midday (AEST) on 8 September. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner as part of the FAAA Congress event on 21 November.

The post TAL’s commitment to celebrating women in the advice profession continues with sponsorship of inaugural FAAA Award appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Beau Riley

Leading Australian life insurance specialist, TAL, has expanded their support for advisers with a new digital hub of tools and resources aimed at helping them and their clients adapt to a new way of providing advice.

Designed to enable advisers to continue to deliver quality advice, the hub adds to TAL’s active contribution to the growth of advisers’ capabilities in a crucial year for the financial advice sector.

TAL Head of Licensees and Partnerships, Beau Riley, said, “Advisers are needed now more than ever as many Australians are grappling with the new normal and seeking financial security. There is a unique opportunity for advisers to position themselves as a source of trust and proactively connect with clients in meaningful ways.

“At TAL, we are seeking to empower advisers to respond quickly to the current environment and find new ways to add value for their clients. We recognise that advisers have an essential role to play in ensuring we can all come out of this time stronger than before, and we are committed to continuing to invest in opportunities to better serve advisers, both personally and professionally,” he said.

TAL’s digital adviser support hub includes five key areas of support:

1. Connecting with clients –helping advisers’ client communications with white label content on the importance of reviewing financial plans, government support measures available during COVID-19 and the value life insurance has in uncertain times
2. Supporting clients –client resources with information on TAL’s Financial Hardship options, wellbeing support and career coaching services
3. Adapting to virtual businesses –tools to help advisers easily adapt to a remote working model
4. Adviser health and wellbeing –helping advisers continue to look after their own mental and physical health
5. Digital CPD learning –supporting advisers to continue their CPD learning with TAL Risk Academy’s range of digital learning options.

The content on TAL’s COVID-19 adviser support hub will continue to evolve as the COVID-19 response progresses.

The post TAL evolves adviser support with dedicated content hub appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ben Nash

The  are pleased to announce that Ben Nash of Pivot Wealth is the winner of the 2019 AFA Excellence in Education Award (the Award).

The Award recognises, supports and rewards excellence in financial adviser education and was presented to Ben at the AFA Conference in Adelaide this evening.

CEO Philip Kewin said, “Never before have we seen such a focus on education driven by consumer awareness, regulatory reforms and the collective realisation of the importance of education. Ben has demonstrated a genuine ongoing commitment to education and professional development as a means of improving his value proposition to his clients and the broader community.”

Ben is a financial adviser and the founder of Pivot Wealth. He started Pivot Wealth to help young professionals set up a clear and easy-to-follow game plan for their money. Ben’s focus is to empower his clients to make the best financial choices for them and take action with confidence.

TAL Head of Licensees and Partnerships, Beau Riley, said, “TAL is very pleased to continue to support this Award, and joins with the AFA in congratulating Ben for his dedication to ongoing professional education and development.”

Ben will receive an education scholarship for study with Kaplan to the value of $25,000.

The Award was presented at the AFA Conference in Adelaide last week.

The post AFA and TAL announce 2019 AFA Excellence in Education Award winner appeared first on AdviserVoice.