The 2026 FAAA Awards recognise advisers and practices delivering the highest standards of professional advice to Australian consumers. The awards also acknowledge those who go above and beyond, giving back to their communities through pro bono work and volunteering. Additionally, the awards celebrate the next generation of advisers coming through university programs, recognising the emerging talent that will shape the future of the profession.

FAAA general manger membership and strategic initiatives, Tania Milnes, says this year’s finalists reflect the breadth of talent across the profession.

“The FAAA awards acknowledge those who are truly committed to putting their clients first, supporting their communities, and raising standards across financial advice.

“Each finalist embodies the professionalism and care that defines our profession, whether through their exceptional client work, their leadership within their organisations, their contributions to their local community, or their potential as emerging professionals,” Ms Milnes said.

The finalists of theFAAA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award are:

• Scott Quinlan CFP®, Solace Financial
• Dawn Thomas CFP®, The Wealth Designers
• John Versace CFP®, Apt Wealth Partners

The finalists for the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Awardare:

• Sophie Doyle, Morgans Financial Limited
• Morgan Hayward, Lume Wealth
• Andrea Jenkins CFP®, Jenbury Financial

The finalists for FAAA Risk Adviser of the Year Award are:

• Mark Everingham CFP®, Personal Risk Professionals
• Cameron Peck CFP®, Safeguard Life

The finalists for FAAA Holistic Adviser of the Year Award are:

• Nathan Fradley FChFP, Fradley Advice Pty Ltd
• Charmaine Hall, Unbound Financial

The finalists for the FAAA Professional Practice of the Year Award are:

• Apt Wealth Partners, VIC
• Oxlade Financial, QLD
• Solace Financial, QLD

The finalists for the FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year Award are:

• Eleanor Bagg CFP®, EJM Advice
• Braden King, Everest Wealth
• Lydia Toghill, Collins SBA

The finalists for the FAAA University Student of the Year Award are:

• Kayla Bradfield, Swinburne University of Technology
• Linda Connolly, Deakin University
• Jaxon Goddard, Curtin University

Ms Milnes thanked the award supporters, noting their dedication to recognising excellence across the profession.

“We’re grateful for the support of our award sponsors, who share our commitment to advancing standards in financial advice. Their involvement in the awards program reinforces the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of the advisers and practices leading the way in our profession.”

Kieran Forde, head of adviser channel at Zurich Australia, sponsors of the FAAA Adviser of the Year Award and Risk Adviser of the Year Award, said Zurich congratulates the finalists for their achievements and for leading the way in financial advice.

“What stands out about this year’s finalists across both categories is the dedication, professionalism and client focus they bring to their work every day.

“Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and recognition of the high standards being upheld across the advice profession. The strength of this year’s field reflects the important role advisers play in helping Australians make confident financial decisions, and every finalist should be proud of this 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 impress.

“UniSuper is proud to support the next generation of advice professionals through this award for a third year. With more nominations received than ever before, it is inspiring to see so many emerging professionals recognised for their genuine commitment to the future of financial advice.”

Beau Riley, general manager retail at TAL, sponsor of the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award, said the finalists are being recognised not only for the quality of advice they deliver, but for the example they set across the profession.

“These finalists show what’s possible when you combine real expertise with genuine care for your clients. Through their leadership, professionalism and commitment to delivering better client outcomes, they’re inspiring others and helping strengthen the future of advice.

“Congratulations to everyone who made the finals. It’s a privilege to see the impact you’re having on your clients, your communities and the industry. Well deserved.”

Tickets to the FAAA Congress 2026 and FAAA Awards Gala Dinner are now available via the FAAA website.

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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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