Arrow Private Wealth was selected from a highly competitive field of over 30 Australian businesses over a range of industries, with the award recognising exceptional program engagement, commercial collaboration, and meaningful social impact.

Mark O’Leary, Private Client Director, Arrow Private Wealth said, “Our belief has always been that financial advisers are uniquely placed to help families in times of great stress – and it’s a privilege to be able to do so.”“Arrow’s leadership team embraced the opportunity to support Pancare and Par 5 from the moment I joined in 2022. To be part of a network that uses business as a vehicle for good, and now to be recognised in this way – it’s humbling and incredibly meaningful for our team.”

Over the 2024–25 period, Arrow Private Wealth delivered across multiple pillars of the Par 5 program:

• Commercial procurement: Arrow channelled significant procurement activity through the Par 5 marketplace, generating direct funding for cancer research.
• Partner business introductions: The firm introduced new members into the Par 5 network, expanding its reach and fundraising potential.
• Pro bono support: Arrow provided free financial advice and insurance navigation to families impacted by upper GI cancers – a lifeline for many navigating uncertainty and trauma.
• Training frontline staff: The team developed and delivered financial hardship training to Pancare’s patient support counsellors, boosting their confidence in assisting vulnerable families.
• Community leadership: Arrow initiated and hosted a successful Par 5 member event in March 2025, sparking greater engagement and collaboration across the network.

James Stewart, General Manager, Par 5 Program added, “Among a strong field of nominees, Arrow Private Wealth stood out.”

“Their involvement with Pancare Foundation includes the provision of probono support and advice making a significant positive financial and psychological impact on people who are already deeply traumatised by their cancer diagnosis. Accessing this kind of support can often be out of reach for people, so to have access via Arrow Private Wealth’s passionate team is greatly appreciated. “

Arrow’s involvement with Pancare and Par 5 also runs deeper than strategy or operations. It’s embedded in the culture.

“Par 5 is a unique network – built on shared values, shaped by lived experience,” added O’Leary. “We were immediately struck by how little financial support patients received from Federal or State governments despite the impact of upper GI cancers on sufferers, their families, the health system, and the wider community.”

Arrow’s recognition as Member Business of the Year underscores the growing momentum behind purpose-led partnerships – and how businesses can play a meaningful role in addressing gaps in research funding, patient care, and long-term outcomes.

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FPA Best Practice Award submissions are now open

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has opened submissions to the prestigious Best Practice Awards and the FPA Honorary Awards.

The FPA Code of Professional Practice holds members to a high standard of ethics, practice standards and professional conduct. The Best Practice Awards recognise financial planners who adhere to this Code and provide superior results for their clients.

Mark Rantall, CEO of the FPA, says that the awards are an opportunity for financial planners to be recognised for the difference they make not only in their clients’ lives, but within the industry and in the community as a whole.

“Financial planners often go above and beyond for their clients, and we regularly hear inspiring stories of planners who have really made a difference in the lives of their clients.

“These awards recognise that role by acknowledging planners who have not only complied with the Code of Professional Practice, but in so doing have offered a considerable contribution to the profession through community involvement, mentoring and support to their local FPA Chapter.”

The FPA Best Practice Awards have become a recognised and coveted symbol of trust and reassurance to Australian consumers looking for advice from a financial planner. Past winners of these awards, who will also serve as judges this year, have experienced benefits from both a personal and business perspective.

Mark O’Leary, winner of the 2012 Future2 Community Service Award: “When there’s a lot of focus on dealing with the consequences of the GFC, reform, costs and increased competition, it can be easy for outsiders to forget that our work is first and foremost about assisting clients. The Cancer Council Pro Bono initiative we worked on gave us the opportunity to help clients in very difficult circumstances and provided our team of advisers plenty of examples of the importance of comprehensive planning. Being recognised by the FPA with this award was also helpful in highlighting the value we provide to our existing clients – it gave our firm greater credibility.”

Shane Lenehan, winner of the 2012 Financial Planner AFP® Best Practice Award: “Being involved in the Financial Planner AFP® Best Practice Award 2012 was a fantastic experience. It has helped me articulate our advice process and how we add value to clients. Winning the award is recognition from our professional body that our business is on the right track, and the publicity generated for Silvan Ridge has been very well received.”

Michelle Tate-Lovery, winner of the 2012 Certified Financial Planner® Professional Best Practice Award: “Not only was it personally gratifying to receive a Best Practice Award but it has also been a mark of excellence for our business, signalling to clients old and new that we provide a quality financial advice experience. Financial planning can be life changing for people, so it’s fantastic that the FPA recognizes the work planners to do help our clients through the Best Practice Awards. I would encourage planners to share their good work and success stories by submitting for the Awards.”

All members of the FPA are eligible to enter the awards, and can submit an application to three categories:

1.         FPA Certified Financial Planner® Professional Best Practice Award

2.         FPA Financial Planner AFP® Best Practice Award

3.         Future2 Community Service Best Practice Award

State winners and runners-up will be chosen in each award category. A national winner will then be selected in each category from the pool of state winners.

Nominations are also now open for the 2013 FPA Honorary Awards for Distinguished Service and Fellows. These awards honour the work of FPA members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty through:

• working with their local community and charitable organisations
• mentoring young planners and those new to the profession
• working with their local FPA Chapter and FPA committees
• selfless contribution to the profession

The deadline for submissions for all awards is 21st August and winners will be announced and profiled in September in the lead up to the inaugural 2013 FPA Professionals Congress on 16-17 October where they will be presented with their awards.

For more information and details on how to enter the awards, please visit the FPA website.

The FPA will continue to provide further updates and confirmation of speakers and events taking place in the lead up to the inaugural Professionals Congress. For more information or to register for the Professionals Congress, please visit the FPA website.

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