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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Now in its ninth year, the FPA Awards recognises exceptional financial planners, paraplanners, university students and FPA Professional Practices from across Australia. The Awards also celebrate the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding results for clients.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP® said many Australians have used the pandemic to reconsider their finances – spending and saving habits, budgeting and planning – and have an appetite to make changes. The pandemic has been a sharp reminder for Australians to have a financial plan in place, not only as a road map to achieve their goals, but also as a contingency for unforeseen events.

“It’s great to see financial planners guiding thousands of everyday Australians through the financial stress created by the pandemic and an increased engagement between Australians and their financial planner in the last 12 months to seek reassurance for personal finances or build a financial plan,” said Mr De Gori.

“The 20 finalists have been chosen because they have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to professional standards and made a positive difference to the lives of clients and their local community.

“The judges have been very impressed by the high calibre of award entries this year and look forward to announcing the Award winners in November,” he said.

The category finalists in the FPA Community Service Award supported by Future2 will be announced later this month following the upcoming Future2 Board meeting.

The finalists for each award are as follows.

FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award

• Kathryn Creasy CFP® – Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers (WA)
• Matthew Meehan CFP® – Lifesolver Financial (NSW)
• Naomi Mee-Martino CFP® – Bastion Financial Group (WA)
• Mark O’Flynn CFP® – Tupicoffs (QLD)

FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award

• Alman Partners (QLD)
• APT Wealth (NSW)
• Enlightened Financial Solutions (QLD)

FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award

• Leanne Bielik AFP® – 2020 Wealth Pty Ltd (VIC)
• Michelle Maguire AFP® – MLC Advise (NSW)
• Craig Phillips AFP® – Phillips Wealth Partners (ACT)

FPA Advice Innovation Award

• Josh Pennell CFP® – Prosper Advisory Financial Services (VIC)
• Daniel Thompson AFP® – Finnacle (NSW)

FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award

• Andrew Mann CFP® – Tupicoffs (QLD)
• Elora Shine – Cooper Wealth Management (NSW)

FPA University Student of the Year Award

• Nicole Gardner – Kaplan Professional (VIC)
• Martin Jack – Griffith University (QLD)
• Matthew Kanizay – Deakin University (VIC)
• Melina Pisani – Deakin University (VIC)
• Renae Poole – Griffith University (QLD)
• Aaron Skow – Kaplan Professional (NSW)

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