Craig Banning

Individual advisers and practices across the Hillross, AMP Financial Planning and Charter Financial Planning network have received top awards to recognise their high levels of professionalism, operational excellence, superior client service and quality advice as part of an annual awards program.

Hillross and AMP Financial Planning Managing Director, Michael Guggenheimer, and Charter Financial Planning Managing Director, Tim Mitchell-Adams, praised the achievements of the award recipients.

“We know the real difference financial advisers can make in helping people plan for a more secure future. These awards acknowledge advisers and businesses which are leading the way in helping customers achieve their financial goals through quality advice,” said Mr Guggenheimer.

AMP Financial Planning, Hillross and Charter advisers can nominate colleagues or self-nominate for the awards, with submissions assessed by a panel of industry experts.

Clients of the finalists for AMP Financial Planning and Hillross were also surveyed by an independent research specialist, Beddoes Institute, to assess client satisfaction as part of the judging process.

AMP Financial Planning

Navwealth Financial Group located in St Leonards, NSW won Practice of the Year for demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, operational excellence and client service. Led by Craig Banning, Navwealth was also a finalist for the AFA Practice of the Year award category in 2016.

“The team at Navwealth are really focussed and passionate about helping their clients reach their goals on purpose, and not by accident. The practice is an outstanding example within the profession,” Mr Guggenheimer said.

AMP Financial Planning also recognised the following advisers for their contribution to advice and the community:

• Adviser of the Year – Esther Althaus, Perspective Financial Solutions, South Yarra, VIC
• New Adviser of the Year – Scott Miller, First Class Wealth, Sydney CBD, NSW
• New Practice of the Year – First Class Wealth, Sydney CBD, NSW
• Value of Advice – Amanda Pond, Puddle to Pond Financial, Nowra, NSW

Hillross

Coral Coast Financial Planning located in Cairns, QLD won both the Advisory Firm of the Year award and the Financial Freedom achievement award, recognising the practice’s ongoing delivery of high quality advice and leading client service.

Led by Craig Armstrong, the firm prides itself on its long-term financial relationships.

“The practice’s long-standing client relationships is testimony to the high-quality financial planning advice and service it provides,” Mr Guggenheimer said.

Hillross also recognised the following advisers for their contribution to advice and the community:

• Financial Adviser of the Year – Gary Dean, Prosperity Wealth Advisers, World Square, NSW
• New Adviser of the Year – Jay Murphy, Arrive Wealth Management, Brisbane, QLD
• Professional Excellence – Simon Everett, Elysian Wealth Services, West Perth, WA
• Service to the Community – Definitive Financial Services, Tony Greenham, Subiaco, WA

Charter Financial Planning

Charter advisers Ray Albright (NSW-ACT), David Dyson (VIC-TAS), Christopher Manthey (QLD), Alex Brown (SA-NT) and Gary Addison (WA) received the 2016 State Advisers of the Year awards for their outstanding work and contributions to Charter.

The 2016 Charter National New Adviser of the Year award winner was Andrew Thomas from Crest Financial Services located in Cook Hill, NSW.

The 2016 National Value of Advice award winner is Ben Law from Exceed Financial located in Kangaroo Point, QLD.

The prestigious Gerald Lippman Perpetual Trophy for 2016 was awarded to Andrew Harris of Minerds Bell Consultancy Group located in Kingswood, SA. The Gerald Lippman Perpetual Trophy is awarded each year to the adviser that is judged to have made the greatest contribution to the progress of Charter during the past 12 months in areas such as professional and business development, industry involvement, community activity, marketing and promotion.

“‘My favourite time of year is when the Charter community comes together to honour our highest achievers. It’s always so great to hear the advisers share their stories and how the valuable advice they provide is making a real difference to so many people,” said Tim Mitchell-Adams.

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Michael Guggenheimer

The AMP Cancer Council Pro Bono Program has seen a 13.3 per cent increase in financial guidance provided to individuals and their families in 2015 compared to 2014, reaching 923 families affected by cancer in total.

The AMP Cancer Council Pro Bono Program, a partnership between AMP licensees, AMP Foundation and Cancer Council to provide free financial advice to families affected by cancer, was established in 2010. Originally supported by AMP Financial Planning and Hillross, the program expanded to include Charter practices in 2012.

Since the program’s inception, assistance has been provided to nearly 4,000 people and their families.

Hillross and AMP Financial Planning Managing Director Michael Guggenheimer said: “Through the Pro Bono Program financial advisers are doing what they can to help at a difficult time and add value to the significant work already being done by Cancer Council to assist people affected by cancer.”

Charter and ipac Managing Director Tim Mitchell-Adams said: “Our advisers recognise what a challenging time it can be for these individuals and we’re seeing increasing numbers volunteer their time and expertise to help clients and their families negotiate the financial impact of a life-changing illness.”

Cancer Council’s Legal and Financial Support Services Manager Sarah Penman said: “The time, skills and expertise offered by AMP advisers to people affected by cancer through the Pro Bono Program is truly life changing.”

The program initially launched in 2010 to offer pro bono financial guidance to families affected by cancer in New South Wales. Since the initial launch, the program has been rolled out in partnership with Cancer Council across the country, with the help of funding from the AMP Foundation.

AMP continues to communicate to its adviser network to encourage more advisers to participate in the program, with 94 new practices joining the program in 2015.

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Matthew Rowe

Future2, the charitable foundation of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has appointed Matthew Rowe CFP as Chair of the Board and added three new directors/trustees, effective 1 January 2016.

• Matthew Brown CFP, Director & Practice Principal, MiQ Private Wealth, Gold Coast
• Petra Churcher AFP, Chair of the SA Chapter of the FPA and General Manager of ipac South Australia
• Michael Guggenheimer, Managing Director of AMP Financial Planning and Hillross Financial Services

Matthew Brown is one of three FPA directors nominated to the Future2 Board. The others are Mark Rantall CFPâ and Neil Kendall CFPâ. Matthew has been a financial planner for over 26 years and joined the FPA Board in 2011. He has extensive not-for-profit Board experience with Broadbeach Alliance, a community based events business, of which he is Chair.

Petra Churcher was among 14 FPA members to make an expression of interest in joining the Board in 2015. Petra is Chair of the FPA SA Chapter and in that capacity spearheaded the successful Future2 Gala Dinner in 2014, and other fundraising events.

Michael Guggenheimer has encouraged widespread support for Future2 among AMP employees and licensed representatives. His support of the Future2 Wheel Classic over the last four years has been instrumental in raising funds for disadvantaged young Australians.

The Future2 foundation draws its support from financial planning professionals and others linked to the profession in order to make a lasting difference in the lives of young Australians who are living in social and financial disadvantage.

The Board is made up largely of FPA members who are committed to Future2’s vision to be the heart of the financial advice profession.

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Sponsorship, cyclist registrations and donations take Wheel Classic fundraising over half way to $100,000 target

Michael Guggenheimer

Five months out from the start of the Future2 Wheel Classic cycling fundraiser from Melbourne to Adelaide (13-19 November), the momentum of support is building in the financial planning community.

AMP Financial Planning has confirmed it will again be Gold Partner to the event in support of Future2’s vision to help those most in need. Funds raised enable Future2 to make grants to community not-for-profits that give disadvantaged kids all over Australia a new start and hope for a better future.

AMP Financial Planning Managing Director Michael Guggenheimer said: “We’re happy to have been involved with the Future2 Wheel Classic over a number of years as it is a great initiative in helping Future2 help local charities. A number of our financial planners will be participating in this years’ ride and I encourage the financial planning community to get behind their colleagues.”

The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has picked up one of two Silver Partner opportunities, reflecting the commitment of FPA professional members to the wider community as well as to their clients’ best interests. Cyclists arrive in the SA capital to a reception on the eve of the FPA Professionals Congress (20-21 November).

FPA CEO Mark Rantall welcomed the opportunity for closer involvement with this year’s Wheel Classic. “As a Silver Partner to the event, we are applauding the efforts of our members to do something that makes a lasting difference to those most in need – either by riding with the Wheel Classic or supporting those who do”, he said.

FPA members who ride the Wheel Classic are eligible for a 10% discount on registration for the FPA Professionals Congress in Adelaide, 20-21 November, and a 25% discount if they reach higher fundraising targets.

Registration and fundraising

By mid-June, 23 cyclists had registered for the cycling challenge, all but two of them for the 7-day, 1050 km ride. Participants include the first overseas cyclist, who is Japanese, and two teams: InvestBlue and Bravien Financial. Registrations remain open until 31 August.

Each cyclist will raise funds of at least $500 (if riding 1-3 days) or $1,000 (4-7 days); many set more ambitious targets. Donations in support of the cyclists are gathering momentum and include a $10,000 donation in support of one cyclist.

To sign up for the Wheel Classic or the Virtual Wheel Classic click here. 

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Michael Guggenheimer

Advisers from Sydney, Perth and Albury have scooped the pool in the annual 2013 Hillross Awards Program, taking out the Hillross Adviser of the Year, New Adviser of the Year and Hillross Advisory Firm of the Year categories at a ceremony in Melbourne last night.

The 2013 Hillross Awards Program is open to advisers and advisory firms across the Hillross network. Newly appointed Managing Director Hillross and AMP Financial Planning Michael Guggenheimer said the awards were an opportunity to acknowledge the high levels of professionalism, client service and the delivery of quality advice.

“Professionalism, ongoing quality financial advice and a strong focus on the client are the most important attributes for an adviser and these awards recognise some outstanding examples of this,” Mr Guggenheimer said.

Hillross Adviser of the Year

The 2013 Hillross Adviser of the Year has been awarded to Sydney adviser Ian Smith.

Mr Guggenheimer said: “The judging panel were very impressed with Ian’s professionalism, his clear client value proposition and his unwavering focus on delivering what his clients want. These traits have made Ian a very deserving winner.”

The Adviser of the Year recognises a CFP adviser who has demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and excellence through client service, advice delivery and implementation.

Hillross New Adviser of the Year

Ryan Turner of RJJO Financial Services in Perth has taken out New Adviser of the Year, a relatively new category first awarded in 2012.

Mr Turner, a graduate of AMP’s Horizons Academy, established his practice in 2011 and has had ongoing success building a solid business and creating strong links with the community.

“Ryan’s very clear financial advice philosophy, which is that if you do the right thing by people and make a difference in their lives the financial side of things will take care of itself, was a winner for the judging panel.

“It’s remarkable that in less than three years of practice he has been able to build up a dedicated client base and he attributes this approach as one of the key reasons for his success,” Mr Guggenheimer said.

Hillross Advisory Firm of the Year

Hillross Albury has won Advisory Firm of the Year, for demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, profitability and advice.

“In looking at the finalists for Advisory Firm of the Year, the judges found Hillross Albury is a practice of like-minded individuals bursting with a great energy and commitment to delivering the best client experience possible.

“Their involvement in the local community, deep commitment to the ongoing education and development of their staff and feedback from clients has shown what a great advice experience they deliver,” Mr Guggenheimer said.

Hillross Albury is led by Practice Principal Tony Smith and Director Wayne Moriarty.

The 2013 Hillross Awards Program was open to financial advisers with a Certified Financial Planner qualification and advisory firms across the Hillross network.

Clients are surveyed by an independent research specialist and client advocacy is an important part of the overall assessment for each of the awards.

The winners are determined by an expert panel of industry representatives, including Mark Rantall, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and AMP’s Chief Customer Officer Paul Sainsbury.

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Pauline Blight-Johnston

AMP has announced key leadership appointments for its two newly created business divisions – Insurance and Superannuation, and Advice and Banking effective 20 January 2014.

The appointments come after AMP CEO Craig Meller announced his leadership team in October and are the next step in creating a leaner, more efficient and increasingly customer-driven organisation.

AMP Group Executive Pauline Blight-Johnston of the newly created Insurance and Superannuation division has made three appointments to her leadership team. The division is responsible for the company’s risk insurance, superannuation, investment, pensions and platforms business portfolios.

Megan Beer has been appointed Director, Insurance and will join AMP from NAB in February 2014.

Ms Beer has over 20 years’ experience in the actuarial and insurance industry. Prior to AMP she headed up NAB’s wealth management and insurance proposition through the bank channel, as General Manager Bancassurance and Direct.

Ms Beer will be responsible for driving AMP’s insurance business through a time of change for the industry, and bringing together services from across AMP to provide a sustainable and attractive customer insurance experience.

Patricia Montague has been appointed Director of Superannuation with responsibility for superannuation, retirement and platform investment products. Ms Montague joined AMP in August 2013 as Director Wealth Management Products.

Ms Montague joined AMP from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia where she was the General Manager of Retail Customers and Transformation.

Melinda Howes has been appointed Director Product Strategy and Services with responsibility for portfolio strategy and shared technical services across the Insurance and Superannuation business.

Ms Howes joined AMP in November 2013 from the Actuaries Institute, where she was CEO for more than three years. She has held senior positions at ASFA, and at BT Financial Group where she was Director of Superannuation and Retirement Products. She is well known in the industry for her expertise in issues around retirement, longevity and superannuation adequacy.

Ms Blight-Johnston said the appointments put AMP in a strong position to deliver a great experience to its customers in the rapidly changing insurance and superannuation environment.

“This is a strong team with the depth and breadth of experience we need to sustainably deliver the right solutions to our customers and to continue to remain contemporary and successful in a quickly changing world,” Ms Blight-Johnston said.

The AMP Advice and Banking division led by Group Executive Rob Caprioli is responsible for AMP’s advice, banking and corporate superannuation business portfolios; effectively bringing together the key channels through which customers come to AMP.

Mr Caprioli has made the following appointments to his team:

Steve Helmich takes on the role of Executive Director Financial Planning. AMP will leverage Mr Helmich’s extensive experience and understanding of the financial advice profession within its multiple advice brands and with external audiences. Mr Helmich will also represent AMP locally and internationally on key boards and forums.

The management of AMP’s advice businesses’ five licensees will be streamlined under three management teams.

Michael Guggenheimer, currently Managing Director of AMP’s biggest licensee, AMP Financial Planning (AMPFP) will have additional responsibility for Hillross. Tim Steele as Managing Director of ipac and Genesys will take on additional responsibility for Genesys, while Kevin Stone will continue as Managing Director of Charter Financial Planning.

Hugh Humphrey has been appointed Director Channel Strategy and Transformation and will be responsible for aligning business strategies with customer expectations across AMP’s channels. Mr Humphrey was previously Managing Director of Hillross.

Libby Roy and Mike Lawrence remain in their respective roles as Director Corporate Superannuation and Managing Director AMP Bank.

Mr Caprioli said the new division’s structure means that AMP has, for the first time, a single leadership team responsible for the primary ways customers join AMP.

“The significant depth of talent and experience in my team means we can deliver a seamless, effortless and personalised experience for our customers, no matter how they choose to begin a relationship with us. We will work closely with the rest of the business to deliver the products and services our customers want,” Mr Caprioli said.

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Future2’s annual cycling fundraising event starts soon.

Future2’s annual cycling fundraising event takes to the road next month on a 1250 k route from Melbourne to Sydney.  When the Future2 Wheel Classic arrives in Sydney on 13 October, 5,000 km will have been covered in four Wheel Classics, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help disadvantaged young Australians towards brighter futures.

The annual fundraising event has attracted sponsorship from AMP Financial Planning (Gold Partner) for a third year, with a number of its planners and staff taking part this year.  Matrix Planning Solutions is Silver Partner for the fourth year running.

Thirty one keen cyclists have signed up for what promises to be one of life’s unforgettable experiences – a challenge of mental and physical stamina that will bring the satisfaction of knowing they are helping some of the most at-risk and in-need kids in Australia.

Each cyclist has set up an online fundraising page and is seeking the support of friends, family, colleagues and anyone who wants to recognise their herculean effort and selfless dedication to a great cause.  Donations can be made at www.future2fundraising.org.au/event/f2wheelclassic2013 .

Of the 31 cyclists:

• 13 have participated in earlier Wheel Classic events
• 3 – Peter Bobbin, Ray Griffin and Roger Simionato – have ridden in all four events
• 9 are riding the whole Melbourne to Sydney route
• 5 teams are participating: AMP Sparks, Bravien Financial, Hillross Bendigo, Les Trois Originals and Milestone Financial

“The Wheel Classic sets a gold standard for innovative fundraising by a professional community,” said AMP Financial Planning Managing Director Michael Guggenheimer.

“The Future2 Wheel Classic is a journey for the financial planning profession as a whole – not just those cycling in the event.  It demonstrates the move towards professionalism for financial planners, reflected also in their long-standing commitment to helping others.  As the ride makes its way from Melbourne to Sydney via Bendigo, Shepparton, Wodonga, Khancoban, Jindabyne, Canberra, Bowral and Wollongong, we will take that message into every community.”

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Brad Fox, CEO of the AFA said, “We are delighted to welcome AMP Financial Planning as corporate partner of Inspire. They were quick to jump at the opportunity to be involved and are now an important part of the initiative.”

Michael Guggenheimer, Managing Director of AMP Financial Planning said AMP is extremely pleased to support Inspire. “Inspire provides a network and professional community for women in financial services to inspire them to make the very best of their abilities, while also encouraging the profession as a whole to better understand both the vital role female advisers play and the needs of female clients,” he said. “We see it as a necessary stepping stone in the development of the diversity within the profession and we welcome the opportunity to play an integral role in the initiative.”

AFA Inspire Chair, Deborah Kent, said Inspire is resonating amongst AFA members and the financial advice arena in general. “We had over 280 members on the LinkedIn Inspire group, even before we formally launched the initiative,” she said. “It is such a positive step forward. The AFA is very proud to be able to support women in the industry who may need that extra bit of encouragement – in their professional and in their personal lives – and to help men in financial services learn how to better connect with their female colleagues and clients.”

The AFA Inspire launch will be held in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from 17-19 June. More information is available at www.afa.asn.au/events.

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