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Andrew Dickinson

The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has named Andrew Dickinson of Strategic Wealth as the winner of the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award for semester two of 2023.

Named in honour of the late ‘First Lady of Financial Planning’, the award goes to the highest performing student in the CFP Certification Unit (CFP C) in each semester, and shows demonstrable dedication to providing high-quality financial advice.

Mr Dickinson is a financial adviser and partner at Strategic Wealth, based in Melbourne. He has been at the firm since 2017 and has almost seven years’ experience in financial planning. Mr Dickinson completed a bachelor’s degree in commerce at Deakin University.

He said the CFP Certification Program is a valuable learning experience.

“The best thing about the program was learning from realistic client scenarios throughout the course. I found that I was often reading material on a topic and then applying it to client scenarios within days,” Mr Dickinson said.

“Different businesses specialise in particular segments of the market. Doing the CFP program is a great way to build your knowledge and gain exposure to advice situations that you may otherwise not have encountered during your everyday work.

“It is a privilege to be recognised by this award in Gwen’s honour. I am very appreciative of the support of my colleagues at Strategic Wealth and broader support through the Oreana Licensee network, who helped me along the way.”

FAAA chief executive officer Sarah Abood congratulated Mr Dickinson on the award.

“I commend Andrew for his sheer dedication to the financial planning profession through his commitment to the CFP Certification program while also running his own practice. Gwen would have approved of Andrew’s willingness to go above and beyond to reach the highest levels of professionalism, and he provides a wonderful example to the rest of his colleagues.

“The CFP Certification program has been around for more than 30 years as the standard of excellence for financial planners and will continue to be so for years to come.”

The CFP designation is the largest and best-recognised financial planning designation globally, with more than 213,000 CFP professionals worldwide, an increase of nearly five per cent from last year. 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.

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Now in its tenth year, the FPA Awards recognise individuals and businesses across Australia who deliver the highest standard of professional and trusted advice to consumers. The awards also acknowledge outstanding university students who represent the future of the financial planning profession.

The winner of the FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award is Andy Reynolds CFP® of EFS Advice. The award acknowledges Andy’s commitment to the profession, and the care and diligence he shows clients who are going through life altering events.

FPA CEO Sarah Abood said: “Andy’s approach to supporting his clients’ understanding of complex financial issues, especially those clients with cognitive issues, is truly moving.

“Andy really does go above and beyond for his clients and his use of tools such as diagrams and videos to help support clients’ understanding is a practical demonstration of that.

“Andy’s depth of knowledge in his specialty field, and his understanding of both the tangible and intangible impacts of his advice, impressed the judges.

“Further, his advocacy at a grassroots level, including with super funds and lawyers to improve their processes, is to the benefit of his clients and the financial planning profession more broadly,” said Ms Abood.

The winner of the FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award is Alman Partners based in Mackay, QLD. The judges selected Alman Partners based on its clear succession plan, which involved supporting advisers to becoming partners in the practice, and its continued commitment to diversity. The judging panel was also impressed by the in-depth annual audit the practice undertakes to be accredited with the Global Fiduciary Accreditation (currently held by just seven Australian firms).

Lili Hong AFP® from Future Gen Solutions is the winner of the FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award. The judges commended Lili on her dedication to building a reputable career as a financial planner. As an advocate for the profession and its future, Lili demonstrated dedication to her clients, and assisted those in need while looking for unconventional solutions to help migrants understand Australia’s complex financial services system.

The FPA University Student of the Year Award was awarded to Matthew Kanizay of Deakin University. Matthew was selected by the judges based on his strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. He is a well-rounded student who has participated in a number of extra-curricular activities and demonstrated an ability to connect and develop a skillset as a future financial planner.

The Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award recognises the highest performing student in the final unit of the CFP® Certification Program. Brigitta Hembrow Gersey CFP® from Elston Private Wealth Pty Ltd, is the 2022 Semester One winner of the honorary award named after the late “first lady of financial planning”, Gwen Fletcher.

Ms Abood said: “The CFP® Certification Program is a rigorous program of study, and to win this award is a real achievement.

“Congratulations to Brigitta for her outstanding performance and commitment.

“These awards shine a light on those making a difference to the financial planning profession, the financial services industry and to all Australians.

“On behalf of everyone at the FPA, congratulations to the deserving winners of these awards,” said Ms Abood.

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Andrew Dunbar

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) announced the winners of the 2019 FPA Awards, Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award, and FPEC Research Grant Award at the Future2 Celebration held during the FPA Professionals Congress in Melbourne this evening.

Now in its seventh year, the FPA Awards recognise the achievements of outstanding financial planners, paraplanners, students and practices, and celebrate the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond to support their local community through pro bono and volunteer work.

The winner of the coveted FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® Professional of the Year Award is Andrew Dunbar CFP^® of Apt Wealth Partners in Melbourne, VIC. The award acknowledges Andrew’s commitment to making a positive and meaningful difference to clients by living the ‘client-first’ principle.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP^® said, “Andrew is passionate about helping clients who are going through challenging times and are at their most vulnerable, such as when they have complex family needs. He is an active participant in the FPA’s Cancer Council Pro Bono Advice program and a range of other charities.

“Andrew also contributes regularly to thought leadership programs by writing financial education guides, presenting at educational events, and mentoring less experienced financial planners in his firm. He is a strong advocate for the value of financial planning, and is a wonderful ambassador in leading our profession through change,” said Mr De Gori.

The winner of the FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award is Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers of Perth, WA. With an advice process structured around client understanding and delivering on service promises, Capital Partners brings a clear set of guiding principles which focus on the financial capacity and empowerment of its clients.

Winning the FPA Financial Planner AFP^® of the Year Award for 2019 is Crystal Bobir AFP^® of Tupicoffs in Brisbane, QLD. The judges commented that Crystal has clearly excelled in her client relationship skills and critically, was able to demonstrate how her advice was in the best interests of her client. Crystal has the skills that new financial planners aspire to have, and has a natural ability to simplify complex matters for her clients.

The FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award was given to Lachlan Haigh of Tupicoffs in Brisbane, QLD. The judges commented that Lachlan’s Statement of Advice (SOA) submission clearly shows excellence in paraplanning, including demonstration of how his work and research made significant improvements to the client’s situation. Lachlan’s supporting documents showed that his research was thorough and well documented, and that he put a lot of time and effort into ensuring that he went above and beyond to achieve a great outcome for the client.

The FPA University Student of the Year Award was given to Graeme Morris of Griffith University, QLD. Graeme was commended for his strong University Grade Point Average (GPA), being a University Financial Planning scholarship recipient and his involvement in extra-curricular activities. These include his membership of the Griffith University Association of Commerce Society, his internship and part-time work in the profession, relationship with his local FPA Chapter and being an active member of the FPA Emerging Professionals Network.

The Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award recognises the highest performing student in the final unit of the CFP^® Certification Program. Nicky Dwyer CFP^® from UniSuper Management in Adelaide, SA, is the 2019 Semester Two winner of the honorary award named after the late “first lady of financial planning”, Gwen Fletcher.

Mr De Gori said, “To receive the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award is a significant achievement because the rigorous CFP^® Certification Assessment requires students to be at their absolute best. Nicky’s results reflect her commitment and dedication, and I congratulate her on her outstanding efforts.”

The winner of the FPA Community Service Award supported by the Future2 Foundation is Zacary Leeson CFP^® of HPH Solutions in Perth, WA. Zacary wins this Award for the second year as he has taken on the role of President with Future2 Grant Recipient Leading Youth Forward (LYF). Zacary has demonstrated a long-term commitment to LYF, dedicating time and effort to working with the children and their families.

New to 2019, the Future2 Foundation Grants Committee presented an additional FPA Community Service Award which went to Louise Wegner-Parker AFP^® of Morgans Financial in Brisbane, QLD. Louise endorsed a winning 2019 Future2 Grant for Micah Projects, a charity dedicated to providing services and opportunities for communities in need, specifically winning for their Young Mothers for Young Women project. Louise has worked with Micah Projects for six years.

The Financial Planning Education Council (FPEC) announced two Research Grant Award winners, sponsored by NAB. Research team Associate Professor Tina Cockburn TEP, Dr Kelly Purser TEP and Dr Sherrena Buckby of Queensland University of Technology (QUT) won for their research titled ‘The role of financial planners in preventing, recognising and responding to elder financial abuse’.

The second (equal) winner of the FPEC Award is research team Dr Tracey West, Mr Richard Olley and Dr Tom Verhelst of Griffith University, QLD for their research titled ‘Quantifying the dynamics of elder abuse’. Each grant winning team was awarded $5,000.

Mr De Gori said, “High quality academic research into financial planning is very important to the profession as it raises the profile and standing of the industry, both in the community and at a policy level. Both of this year’s winning research projects will add significantly to the body of work on the important issue of elder financial abuse.

“FPEC recognises the valuable support of NAB in sponsoring this year’s program and is calling for more sponsors to join NAB and FPEC to support and expand the 2020 academic research program.”

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Raquel Netto

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) is delighted to announce Ms Raquel Netto AFP® of The Wealth Mentoring Group in Hampton, Victoria, as the Semester 1 2019 winner of the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award.

Named after the late ‘First lady of Financial Planning’, the award recognises the highest performing student in the first semester of the CFP® Certification Program with demonstrable dedication to providing high quality financial advice.

Ms Netto, who has worked in the financial services industry for over 14 years in an advice and client relationship management capacity, said: “It’s an honour to receive the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award in recognition of the study and effort I’ve put in to complete the CFP® Certification Program.”

“Earning the CFP® designation is important to me because it demonstrates my commitment to ongoing education, achieving excellence and upholding the highest ethical standards. The CFP® Certification Program is challenging and I am confident the experience has elevated my skills and knowledge as a financial planner and adviser.

“As financial advisers, we are privileged to hold a position of trust and mutual respect with our clients. We can have a meaningful positive impact in our client’s lives by listening to and engaging with them, mentoring them and ultimately, helping them achieve their financial goals.

“It’s a role I’m passionate about and determined to carry out at the highest standard of excellence because that’s what I expect of myself and what my clients and peers expect of me as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional,” said Ms Netto.

Dante De Gori CFP®, CEO of the FPA, congratulated her on achieving the highest mark in the program. “Raquel’s outstanding results reflect a commitment to advancing her career in the financial planning profession and I proudly welcome her into the growing CFP® professional community of 5,694 in Australia, and over 181,000 around the world.”

Currently 27 per cent of FPA members are female, up from 26 per cent last year, which compares favourably with the industry average of 20 per cent. Ms Netto says she hopes more women will choose financial planning as a career.

“Receiving an award in Gwen Fletcher’s name is particularly special because she was a champion for the role of women in the financial services profession. I am hopeful that my work with my clients and within our profession will honour her memory and may even encourage more women to become financial planners.”

The CFP® designation is the only financial planning designation recognised globally. It is a symbol borne by financial planners actively committed through higher education and accountability to adhering to world class professional and ethical standards.

Enrolments for Semester 2 of the CFP® Certification Program close on Thursday 4 July. For more information, visit www.fpa.com.au/cfp

The next Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award winner will be announced in November at the 2019 FPA Professionals Congress in Melbourne, 27-29 November 2019.

In support of the career progression of women in financial planning, the FPA is proud to present the 2019 FPA Women in Wealth networking event series, featuring 2019 World Cup competitors and GIANTS netball teammates, Caitlin Bassett and Jo Harten. Caitlin and Jo will share what they’ve learnt about leadership, teamwork, resilience and more.

Find out more about the lunch event in your nearest capital city during July and August 2019: https://fpa.com.au/fpa-community/women-in-wealth/

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Taking out the coveted FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award is Michael Carmody CFP® of Viva Wealth in Perth, WA.

The award acknowledges Michael’s passion for helping his clients through financial planning, and going above and beyond to give them the best possible outcomes.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP® said, “Michael embodies the facets of an exemplary financial planner: outstanding technical knowledge and capability, as well as care and understanding as a financial coach and mentor to his clients, helping them create a vision for their future, and bringing organisation and accountability to their financial lives.

“Michael has recently proven his willingness to take on a new challenge, completing the 2018 Wheel Classic. The gruelling eight-day charity event raises funds for the FPA’s philanthropic arm, the Future2 Foundation.”

The FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award is Wotherspoon Wealth in Adelaide, SA. When the founders of Wotherspoon Wealth established their business eight years ago, they set out with the aim of building a business “that is the very best out there”. Their critical business decisions are actively focused on making the client experience the best it can be and their submission highlighted that they are constantly exploring ways to improve this approach.

Winning the FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award for 2018 is Felicity Cooper AFP® of Cooper Wealth Management in Surfers Paradise, QLD. The judges in this category commented that Felicity put herself in strong contention from the very start of the awards process because the standard of her submitted Statement of Advice was exceptional, and clearly stood out from the pack.

The FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award was given to Kearsten James CFP® of Queensland based Sterling Private Wealth. Commenting on Kearsten’s award application, the judges said that not only was her advice well written and thought out, but the depth of research done on the issues and the notes around it made it an outstanding entry.

The FPA University Student of the Year Award was given to Mary Hadgis of University of South Australia (UniSA) in recognition of her academic excellence and commitment to becoming a future leader within financial planning. Mary is motivated to become a future financial planner because of the opportunity to help people from all walks of life reach their financial goals and achieve their dreams. Mary has also been a driving force behind UniSA becoming an FPEC accredited provider of a financial planning degree.

The Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award recognises the highest performing student in the final unit of the CFP® Certification Program. John Dacker AFP® from Shadforth Financial Group in Sydney, NSW is the 2018 Semester two winner of the honorary award named after the late “first lady of financial planning”, Gwen Fletcher.

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. John’s outstanding results reflect his commitment and dedication, and I congratulate him on his efforts.”

The winner of the Community Service Award supported by Future2 is Zacary Leeson CFP® of HPH Solutions in Perth, WA. Zacary receives this award in recognition of his dedication as a volunteer at WA based not-for-profit, Leading Youth Forward. The organisation provides mentorship and positive experiences to disadvantaged Perth teenagers to help them foster respect, positive conversations and personal growth. It’s a purely volunteer run group and for the past five years, Zacary has proudly served on the committee, worked as the treasurer and volunteers manager, and had the privilege of seeing his mentee grow from a troubled young boy into a responsible young adult. This award from the FPA’s philanthropic foundation recognises the amazing contribution Zacary has given to the organisation and the young Australians it supports with his time and experience.

Below is a summary list of the 2018 FPA Award winners

• FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year: Michael Carmody CFP®, Viva Wealth, Perth, WA
• FPA Professional Practice of the Year: Wotherspoon Wealth, Adelaide, SA
• FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year: Felicity Cooper AFP®, Cooper Wealth Management, Surfers Paradise, QLD
• FPA Paraplanner of the Year: Kearsten James CFP®, Sterling Private Wealth, Brisbane, QLD
• FPA University Student of the Year: Mary Hadgis, University of South Australia, SA
• Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award: John Dacker AFP®, Shadforth Financial Services, Sydney, NSW
• Community Service Award supported by Future2 Foundation: Zacary Leeson, CFP®, HPH Solutions, Perth, WA

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Anne Graham

The winners of the 2015 Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) Awards have been chosen and will be revealed next week at the FPA Professionals Congress on the 18 – 20 of November in Brisbane.

The fourth Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award winner has also been confirmed and will be announced at the event.

According to Anne Graham, CFP® of McPhail HLG Financial Planning and one of the judges of the FPA Awards this year, the awards recognise and celebrate outstanding financial planners who show true professional leadership in the community.

“Winning an award or even becoming a finalist acknowledges planners who are ‘the best of the best,’ providing a valuable point of difference in the eyes of colleagues, peers and clients.

“Apart from the personal and professional benefits of winning an award, the FPA Award application process is a good exercise, as it gives planners the opportunity to reflect on the specific contribution they make to their business and to the everyday lives of their clients,” said Ms Graham.

Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA, said the calibre of the FPA Award candidates this year was impressive as always, adding that the new “University Student of the Year Award” also attracted a high standard of application.

“Education is key to ensuring a strong future for the financial planning profession, and we are thrilled to see budding financial planners demonstrate excellence early on.
“We hope the FPA Awards inspire future financial planners to invest in education and deliver great results for their clients and community while making a meaningful contribution to our profession,” said Mr Rantall.

The practitioner categories for the FPA Awards this year are as follows:

• FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award
• FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award
• Future2 Community Service Award

Winners of the practitioner categories will receive free entry to next year’s FPA Professionals Congress and $5,000 towards professional development or a professional event.

The winner of the University Student of the Year Award will receive free entry into the CFP® certification program.

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The late Gwen Fletcher AM

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has today announced the institution of the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award, a prize that will be awarded to the highest achieving student in the CFP® Certification Program each semester.

The award honours the memory of the late ‘First Lady of Financial Planning’ and supports a key legacy of her lifelong endeavours to champion the vital role of education and its central importance in nurturing a financial planning profession.

Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA, says the award both honours and perpetuates Gwen’s service to the profession and, by extension, the financial wellbeing of all Australians.

“Gwen’s relentless effort to build a highly qualified financial planning profession along with an awareness of the role of financial planning has helped shape the industry into a growing profession. Given she was responsible for bringing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation to Australia back in 1990, it is appropriate that we acknowledge our top students in her name.

“Gwen holds a special place in the hearts of many planners within the profession. She was always open to offering her advice and opinion when it was sought, and was always prepared to help people who were new to the profession. This award is a way that we can not only acknowledge her commitment from an organisational perspective, but the role she played in developing individual financial planners and ultimately putting them in a better position to service their clients.”

Ms Fletcher played a pivotal role in campaigning for, and organising, the merger between the International Association of Financial Planners (IAFP) and the Australian Society of Investment and Financial Advisers (ASIFA) to become the Financial Planning Association of Australia in 1992. She also coined the name ‘Financial Planning Association’, a title that was subsequently adopted by the organisation in the US among other countries.

The first Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award will be announced on 20 June 2014. The second will be awarded on 14 November. Each award is valued at $1,000 each, funded by the FPA. The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification student who achieves the highest mark in all three required assessments each semester will receive the award.

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Gwen’s profits from the sale of the book are being donated to Future2, the foundation of the Australian Financial Planning profession.  FPA Conference delegates are getting a preview of the book at a pre-launch in Brisbane today. The book will be officially launched at the FPA Sydney Chapter Christmas lunch on December 8.

In acknowledging Gwen’s extraordinary services to the Australian financial planning profession last night, Future2 Chair, Steve Helmich said, “Long before the establishment of Future2 in 2007, Gwen had the vision for a charitable foundation – a vehicle for the profession to give back to the community, so we were honoured last year when she accepted the invitation of Future2 trustees to be our inaugural Patron. We are also very pleased that Gwen has made Future2 the recipient of her profits from the book.”

Gwen who has been described as Australia’s First Lady of Financial Planning, played a vital role in extending the financial planning profession far beyond America’s shores to Australia. It was Gwen who took the first step towards globalisation of the profession and thanks to her, Australia became the first country in the world to adopt America’s Certified Financial Planner designation.

Gwen’s services to the Australian financial planning profession were recognised by her country in 2007 when she was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Her contribution to global financial planning was recognised by the American financial planning community when she was awarded the prestigious Heart of Financial Planning Distinguished Service Award in 2007.

Copies of Running between the Raindrops can be ordered by visiting the following link: http://www.64media.com.au/raindrops/

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