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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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Kieran Forde

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has welcomed the successful vote by members to merge the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA).

The creation of the Financial Advice Association of Australia Limited (FAA) represents a significant milestone for the industry and a further demonstration of the professionalisation of financial advice in Australia.

Kieran Forde, Chief Distribution Officer, Life & Investments, Zurich Australia said: “Members of these Associations should be congratulated for recognising the importance of strong and united representation given the significant regulatory and market forces impacting the profession.”

“Zurich is confident that this merger will create immediate benefits, not just for members, but also for consumers and the broader economy as we seek to enhance access to quality and affordable advice,” Mr Forde said.

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The 2022 AFA Adviser of the Year Award finalists are:

• Charles Badenach – Main Street Financial Solutions
• Felicity Cooper – Cooper Wealth Management
• Joseph Hoe – Wealthwise

The advisers who nominated for the AFA Adviser of the Year Award were measured on a number of factors including their leadership qualities, innovation, customer focus and professional excellence.

Chief Distribution Officer, of Zurich’s Life & Investments, Kieran Forde, said “As an ongoing partner of this prestigious award, we are pleased to provide a platform that recognises and celebrates these talented individuals who drive positive change through their leadership, innovation, customer-centricity and commitment to professional excellence and financial literacy. It has been great to be part of the judging panel this year, these individuals make us proud to be a part of an industry that does so much good for individuals and the broader community.

AFA CEO, Phil Anderson, said “It’s been an honour to participate as a judge in the award process this year, to see the incredible caliber of candidates. The AFA and Zurich have supported this award for nearly 20 years, helping showcase outstanding advisers from across the profession, and this year has been no exception. It gives you great confidence for the future of the profession to see the high levels of expertise and commitment these advisers have in helping their clients achieve great outcomes.”

Finalists will present to a judging panel in mid September about their business achievements, community involvement and approach to mentoring others, as well as being able to demonstrate and articulate successful client outcomes.

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Jacqui Lennon will join Zurich Life & Investments in February 2021 as Head of Customer & Digital. Jacqui is an experienced leader and brings a diverse range of industry experience leading product design, strategy and digital development. Jacqui is well placed to lead Zurich’s proposition development and design, as we respond to the challenge in disability income insurance and seek to offer truly differentiated and sustainable products to our customers.

Kieran Forde will commence in the role of Chief Distribution Officer at the end of November. Kieran joined Zurich from ANZ in 2018, and has held roles as Head of Bancassurance & Direct and Head of Zurich Propositions. This experience within Zurich is backed by more than 20 years’ experience at ANZ, including as Head of Wealth Solutions & Partnerships and Head of ANZ Financial Planning.

Justin Delaney, CEO of Zurich Life & Investments, said, “Both Kieran and Jacqui have a reputation for collaboration and creativity.  Their appointments, alongside those of our other executives and the distribution leaders we have in Nathan Taggart and Tim Atley, will support our commitment to partnership and adviser service.”

Also joining Zurich as Head of Strategy is Shaneen Marshall. Shaneen will lead several critical enterprise wide projects and will drive Zurich’s long-term strategy, particularly as a much larger and integrated business since the acquisition of OnePath Life. Shaneen joins Zurich from TAL where she was most recently Integration Insurance Business Director.

Next week, Daniel Longden joins the Zurich business as Chief Financial Officer, an appointment which was announced in September 2020.

“We are delighted to appoint Jacqui, Kieran, Shaneen and Daniel to these important roles. They will help to drive Zurich’s commitment to offering high quality, differentiated products for our customers and partners, which is core to our strategy and the reason we continue to invest in the OnePath and Zurich retail brands,” said Mr Delaney.

This cycle of appointments will ensure Zurich has leadership with a strong bench-strength, commercial acumen, and specialised expertise, whilst also reflecting our values of diversity, determination and forward-thinking. This will assist us in continuing to advocate for advisers and the industry to help guide Australian life insurance to a positive future.

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Kieran Forde

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kieran Forde to the newly created executive role of Head of Bancassurance & Direct within its Life and Investments business.

Mr. Forde joined Zurich from ANZ, in November ahead of the acquisition of the OnePath life insurance business. His appointment has been made ahead of the full Zurich executive leadership structure which will come into full effect on 1 April 2019.

In his role as Head of Bancassurance & Direct, Mr. Forde has responsibility for Zurich’s strategic partnership with ANZ and direct distribution channel, including the Zurich website and third-party partnerships.

He brings more than 30 years financial services experience, having held roles across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, most recently as Head of Wealth Solutions & Partnerships at ANZ, where he had responsibility for managing the partnerships with Zurich & IOOF.

Prior to this he was General Manager of ANZ’s private banking business in New Zealand, and Head of Bank Distribution for ANZ’s wealth business in New Zealand, before moving to Australia in 2014 to lead ANZ’s financial planning business.

“We are delighted to welcome Kieran’s to the Life & Investments executive team,” said Zurich Life & Investments CEO, Tim Bailey.

“He brings strong leadership and relationship management skills, as well as deep financial services knowledge and expertise, and will be an important addition to Zurich as we look to optimise our partnership with ANZ, and our broader Direct strategy, as part of a multi-channel presence.”

Mr. Forde holds a Bachelor’s in Finance and Management from Victoria University in Wellington, and an MBA from Otago University.

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The composition of the new team reinforces Zurich’s commitment to a dual proposition strategy which will see the Zurich and OnePath Life brands and products continue to operate alongside each other in the retail market.

Completion of the acquisition is expected to occur in March 2019.

The combined business will be led by CEO Tim Bailey, a long term Zurich executive who has led the Australian Life & Investments division since 2015 and whose tenure has seen the acquisitions of both Macquarie Life and OnePath Life.

Gavin Pearce, currently MD Insurance, ANZ will join Zurich as Chief Operating Officer, Life & Investments whilst ANZ’s Linda Griffin will join the Zurich team as Head of Customer and Corporate Affairs.

Zurich’s Chief Distribution Officer Kristine Brooks will lead the Distribution and Marketing teams across the newly expanded business, whilst Matt Drennan continues as Head of Savings and Investments.

Reflecting Zurich’s commitment to a dual proposition strategy in the retail channel, Gerard Kerr as Head of OnePath Propositions and Group Insurance, and Tim Howell as Head of Zurich Propositions, will drive expansion of the OnePath and Zurich market offerings respectively.

Kieran Forde, currently Head of Wealth Solutions and Partnerships, ANZ, will have responsibility for overseeing the strategic partnership with ANZ as Head of Bancassurance and Direct.

After eight years leading the OnePath sales team, Don Sillar has decided to pursue other opportunities. He has agreed to continue as OnePath’s Head of Sales through to completion to ensure continuity and a smooth transition.

In confirming the appointments, Zurich’s APAC Region CEO Jack Howell, said the announcement was another major milestone on Zurich’s journey to become Australia’s leading retail life insurer.

“Our acquisition of the OnePath Life business reflects both our commitment to the Australian life insurance market and our belief in the underlying quality of the business the ANZ and OnePath team has built.

“Upon completion of the acquisition, the newly combined business has an opportunity and a responsibility to take the local industry forward, investing and innovating to deliver ever better customer outcomes.

“This transaction brings together two highly successful businesses, each with a strong brand heritage and loyal customers. The senior leaders of both businesses are amongst the most talented and respected in the industry,” Howell said.

Commenting on the announcement, Life & Investments Australia CEO Tim Bailey said that the new combined team leveraged the depth of experience across both the Zurich and OnePath businesses.

“The balance of the team also sends a powerful signal about our intention and capability to execute our dual proposition strategy.

“We will continue to invest extensively in both the Zurich and OnePath brands and propositions, ensuring both advisers and customers can benefit from genuine choice and a superior customer experience,” Bailey said.

Until completion of the transaction in early 2019, the existing leadership teams will remain in place at both Zurich and ANZ Wealth with both businesses continuing to operate on a separate, business as usual basis until then.

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