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.

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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.

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