David Sharpe

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) have achieved legal completion of their merger to form the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), and have confirmed the board directors of the new association.  

From 3 April 2023, FPA and AFA staff come together as a single team in one office, and activity will begin to be undertaken under the FAAA name.  

The FAAA has also unveiled its new logo, created following extensive member consultation. The logo and new branding will be rolled out during April. Central to the new logo design are the three “a”s of the name represented as three speech bubbles, to symbolise its voice in dialogue with key stakeholders.

While FPA members will start to see a transition to the new FAAA branding over coming weeks, the AFA will continue to operate under its own brand until 30 June, when those members who renew will move to the FAAA.  

David Sharpe will be the chair of the FAAA and Michelle Veitch has been appointed as deputy chair.  

The FPA directors who will serve on the FAAA board are:  

• David Sharpe – chair 
• Diana D’Ambra
• Kearsten James
• William Johns
• Jade Khao
•  Julie Matheson 
• Angela Martyn
•  Julian Place  

The nominated AFA directors who will serve on the FAAA board are:  

• Michelle Veitch – deputy chair 
• Katherine Hayes
• Patricia Garcia
• Shaun McDonagh  

AFA national president Sam Perera, who will not be joining the new board, said he is proud to have played a part in bringing together the two associations.

“I have decided to refocus my time toward my family, staff and practice who have been patient with my absence whilst I served on the AFA board. I will remain an active member of the FAAA and continue to contribute in the areas of policy and advocacy,” Mr Perera said. 

Mr Perera will remain the president of the AFA and an AFA Board member until the AFA is wound up.  

FAAA chair David Sharpe paid tribute to Mr Perera’s three and a half years on the AFA board and his tireless dedication to the profession over many more years.  

“I would like to thank Sam for his work as the AFA national president, and his deep commitment to bringing our two associations together.  I also thank the other AFA directors who have worked so hard to make this merger a reality,” Mr Sharpe said.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank Marisa Broome who, as immediate past chair of the FPA, was deeply involved in the early stages of talks and integral to the ultimate success of our merger.  

“On behalf of the board of the FAAA, I would also like to extend our gratitude to all staff who have worked so hard to get us to this point.”  

Mr Sharpe added that the new board represents a unified voice for the financial advice profession.  

“We had already taken steps to bring the board members together to start discussions following the merger, and the AFA nominated directors participated as guests at the last FPA board meeting and strategy day.  

“We are now in a strong position to start our work as a merged association, advocating on behalf of members,” he said.  

FAAA deputy chair, Michelle Veitch, said the formation of the FAAA represents a new chapter in the financial advice profession.

“I urge all members to renew with the new association. The FAAA will speak with one strong voice for the vast majority of financial advisers in the Australian market, as we work towards ensuring better outcomes for advice practices and their clients,” she said.  

FPA and AFA membership renewals will kick off in May, with all branding, website and membership activity due to be fully transitioned to the FAAA branding by 30 June. 

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All three positions are for a term of three years and will start at the Annual General Meeting on 22 November 2022.

The three appointments follow the expiry of the terms for Board members Alison Henderson CFP®, David Sharpe CFP® and William Johns CFP® in November 2022. Mr Sharpe has been appointed by the Board as an additional director and continues as FPA Chair.

Ms Henderson has served two terms on the FPA Board and is ineligible to stand again.

FPA Chair David Sharpe CFP® said: “On behalf of the FPA Board, we are delighted that William will continue to serve on the Board, and we’re also very pleased to welcome Angela and Jade. Each bring important skills and experience which will add to the depth of knowledge on the FPA Board.

“I would like to sincerely thank Alison for her exceptional contribution to the FPA Board, the association and the profession more broadly. On a personal note I would also like to thank her for her many years of wise and balanced counsel.”

More on the newly elected Board members:

• Angela Martyn CFP® is an active contributor to the FPA’s Policy and Regulations Committee, retiring President of the Boutique Financial Planners Principals Association (BFP), member of the Joint Association Working Group and a presenter at numerous FPA events, including the upcoming 2022 FPA Professionals Congress. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner, Angela holds a Bachelor of Business (Ec & Fin), is a SMSF Specialist Adviser and an Accredited Aged Care Professional Adviser.
• Jade Khao CFP®  has been the Sydney Chapter Chair since 2018, a FPA Women in Wealth Champion, a panellist at the last FPA Professionals Congress, an Ambassador for Future2 and regularly attends local universities and TAFEs on behalf on the FPA. Jade is also the NSW Gen Next Chair for the AFA. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner®, Jade is also a Life Risk Specialist®, as well as a SMSF Specialist Adviser® with a Bachelor of Business.

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Kathryn Creasy

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has announced the winners of the 2021 FPA Awards.

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 and give back to the community.

The winner of the coveted “FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award” is Kathryn Creasy CFP® of Capital Partners in West Perth. The award acknowledges Kathryn’s outstanding approach to providing comprehensive financial planning advice to her clients but also her passion for mentoring those within her team and the broader profession.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP® said: “Kathryn exemplifies our FPA membership as a modern professional financial planner. She is a shining example to all those that are considering a career in financial planning and the life-changing difference our work can make with a client.”

The winner of the “FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award” is Sydney-based Apt Wealth (NSW). The judges commented that it’s not easy to establish and be recognised as one of the 2021 AFR BOSS Best Places to Work in financial services.

Winning the “FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award” for 2021 is Leanne Bielik AFP® of 2020 Wealth PTY LTD (VIC). The judges noted that Leanne has paved the way to help those in need in the community get the help and support only a professional financial planner can provide them throughout the pandemic. Leanne also spends time in online communities supporting single mothers and clients who have had previous poor advice outcomes to get back on track.

The winner of the “FPA Advice Innovation Award” is Daniel Thompson AFP® of FINNACLE (NSW). The award was introduced last year to recognise members who have automated their advice process or used technology in new ways to engage with clients and/or deliver advice. Daniel has taken a blank piece of paper approach and an agile mindset to create a novel subscription based advice service. Through testing and improving constantly, Daniel and his team have created an innovative, affordable and easily accessible advice business for the benefit of his clients.

The “FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award” was given to Andrew Mann CFP® of Tupicoffs (QLD). The judges commented that Andrew is an example of what it is to excel in one’s craft. This award is a celebration of Andrew’s career and excellence in paraplanning, particularly his ability to be engaging, pulling complex threads together in such a way that embraces the client’s capacity to absorb information, and deal with matters that are important to the client.

The winner of the “FPA University Student of the Year Award” is Nicole Gardner of Kaplan Professional (VIC). Nicole has forged successful careers in journalism and in the banking sector. Inspired by the financial hardship that a close relative endured, she was determined to become a financial planner and to work hard to ensure that women and those entering aged care are financially educated and set up for success. She is now achieving a high standard of academic achievement whilst working in the financial planning profession and supporting a family.

The winner of the “FPA Community Service Award” supported by the Future2 Foundation is Peter O’Connell CFP® (VIC). The judging panel said that Peter has been a strong supporter of the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation in the Ballarat and Western Victoria area. For the past 15 years he has provided financial literacy education advice to the Indigenous community. He also supports the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation with their accounting and financial planning requirements.

The FPA gratefully acknowledges the time and expertise provided by the 2021 FPA judging panel:

Certified Financial Planner of the Year
Alison Henderson CFP®
David Sharpe CFP®
Marisa Broome CFP®

Financial Planner AFP of the Year
Michelle Tate-Lovery CFP®
Ben Marshan CFP®
Nat Daley AFP®

FPA Professional Planner of the Year
Diana D’Ambra
Julie Matheson CFP®
Neil Kendall CFP®

FPA Advice Innovation Award
Ben Marshan CFP®
Andy Marshall
Fraser Jack

FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award
William Johns CFP®
Vicky Ampoulos
Mark O’Toole CFP®

FPA University Student of the Year
Anne Palmer FPA
Diana Bugarcic – TAFE NSW
Vicky Ampoulos

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This appointment follows the stepping down of additional director Paul Ruiz after serving nearly two years on the FPA Board.

FPA Chair Marisa Broome CFP^® said: “I would like to thank Paul Ruiz for his commitment to the FPA Board over the past couple of years, in particular the expertise he has brought to the Audit and Risk Committee in his role as the previous Chair. On behalf of FPA Board, I’m delighted to welcome Diana D’Ambra to the Board.”

Joining on 1 December 2020, Ms D’Ambra will bring over 30 years of deep strategic and financial experience. She has spent more than 13 years as a non-executive director and more than 25 years as an investment, mergers, acquisitions and capital market and financial management adviser and chartered accountant.

In addition to her non-executive board and committee roles, Diana also provides financial and strategic assistance to established businesses in relation to acquisitions, divestments, and to start-ups in relation to strengthening and transforming their businesses.

Recipients of FPA Honorary Awards

At the FPA AGM, the FPA also announced its recent recipients of FPA Honorary Awards to acknowledge the dedication of exemplary members.

After finishing her three-year term on the FPA Board, Michelle Tate-Lovery CFP^® was honoured for her service with a Distinguished Service Award and appointment as a Fellow of the FPA.

Delma Newton CFP^® also finished her second term on the FPA Board and was recognised with a Life Membership of the FPA.

Life Membership was also awarded to Gary Jones AFP^® to acknowledge his long-standing commitment as an FPA Chapter Chair and member of the FPA Regional Chapter Committee.

FPA Chair Marisa Broome CFP^® said: “It’s important that we take this time to recognise our members who have gone above and beyond. These awards are not only representations of time and hard work, but also the dedication to servicing and advancing the financial planning profession. On behalf of the board, we thank you all for your commitment over the years.”

The members of the FPA Board are:

• Marisa Broome CFP^® (Chair)
• Jane Bowd
• Diana D’Ambra
• Alison Henderson CFP^®
• Kearsten James CFP^®
• William Johns CFP^®
• Julie Matheson CFP^®
• Julian Place CFP^®
• David Sharpe CFP^®

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Zacary Leeson

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has announced the winners of the 2020 FPA Awards.

Now in its eighth 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 and give back to the community.

The winner of the coveted FPA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award is Zacary Leeson CFP® of HPH Solutions in WA. The award acknowledges Zacary’s positive impact on the lives of his clients, as well as his inspirational work in the community through the charity, Leading Youth Forward.

FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP® said: “Zacary exemplifies our FPA membership as a modern professional financial planner who is client dedicated, university educated and an experienced CFP professional.  Zacary’s passion for the value of advice and his confidence shone through his presentation to the FPA Awards judges. He’s an incredible role model for young financial planners.”

The winner of the FPA Professional Practice of the Year Award is WA-based HPH Solutions (WA). The judges commented that the team at HPH Solutions embody the essence of a true FPA Professional Practice and said that the leaders and staff should be congratulated for the valued work they undertake for their new and loyal clients.

Winning the FPA Financial Planner AFP® of the Year Award for 2020 is Nat Daley AFP® of Hard Line Wealth (NSW). The judges noted that Nat demonstrated his premise of health, love and wealth in everything that he does – from the advice he provides his clients to the way he has established and developed his business with his partners.

This year, the FPA introduced a new FPA Advice Innovation Award to recognise members who have automated their advice process or used technology in new ways to engage with clients and/or deliver advice. The inaugural winner of this award is Corey Wastle CFP® of Verse Wealth (VIC). Corey and the team at Verse Wealth foster a culture of continual innovation, an incredible focus on attention to detail and a drive to continuously improve their business by removing inefficiencies and pain points in their advice process.

The FPA Paraplanner of the Year Award was given to Emma Zwaan of Capital Partners Private Wealth Advisers (WA). The judges commented that Emma’s Statement of Advice (SOA) submission showed an ability to adapt the communication style towards the client’s situation and articulate how the client is put in a better position as a result of the advice.  Emma also demonstrated technical, research and strategic skills in all areas.

The joint winners of the FPA University Student of the Year Award are Miles Kitt of Charles Sturt University and Anthony White of TAFE NSW. Miles showed an outstanding commitment to academic studies and a wide perspective on current issues, as well as a passion for helping people improve their situation. Anthony served as an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force for many years, and as a part of his counselling responsibilities, he became aware of the impacts that financial stress can have on individuals. Now a veteran, Anthony is focused on becoming a financial planner and supporting wounded veterans through the Department of Veteran Affairs system, entitlements process, and Military Super program, as they enter civilian life.

The winner of the FPA Community Service Award supported by the Future2 Foundation is Shane Hayes of Family Aged Care Advocates (NSW). The judging panel said that Shane’s dedication to the profession and his support of the Future2 Foundation is inspirational.  Shane displays an amazing amount of humility and passion when he speaks of how our profession can make a difference to everyday Australians.

The FPA gratefully acknowledges the time and expertise provided by the 2020 FPA judging panel:

• Mark Alexander CFP®
• Naomi Alletson AFP®
• Vicky Ampoulos
• David Andrew AFP®
• Jason Andriessen CFP®
• Jason Andriessen AFP®
• Marisa Broome CFP®
• Diana Burgarcic
• Susie Erratt CFP®
• Giles Gunesekera
• Andrew Harris CFP®
• Alison Henderson CFP®
• Fran Hughes CFP®
• Fraser Jack
• William Johns CFP®
• Gary Jones AFP®
• Todd Kennedy CFP®
• Andy Marshall
• Ben Marshan CFP®
• Mark O’Toole CFP®
• Anne Palmer
• David Sharpe CFP®
• Michelle Tate-Lovery CFP®
• Sharon Taylor
• Phillip Win CFP®.

Photographs and a video reel featuring the 2020 FPA Award winners are available on the FPA website visit

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Ms Henderson and Mr Sharpe will commence their second term on the FPA Board, while Mr Johns, a long-standing member of the FPA since 2008, joins the Board for the first time. All three positions are for a term of three years and will be appointed at the annual general meeting on 27 November.

Chair of the FPA Board Marisa Broome CFP® said: “We are delighted that Alison and David will continue to serve on the Board, and we’re also very pleased to welcome William. Each bring a wealth of experience to the FPA.”

More on the Board members:

Alison Henderson CFP® was appointed to the Board on 22 November 2016. Ms Henderson is a Director and a Practice Principal of SWA Financial Planning (originally known as Symes Warne & Associates), an FPA Professional Practice based in Wollongong, NSW. She has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional since 1999, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, two Masters of Commerce (Financial Planning and Economics), and a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking. In addition to her financial planning role at SWA, Alison also oversees compliance, HR management and positive culture development for the business. Alison has been an active FPA member for over 20 years, during which she has spent time on the Legislation and Regulation Committee and chaired the FPA Professional Designations Committee. Alison is the current Chair of the Policy and Regulations Committee and a Director of the Future2 Foundation.

David Sharpe CFP® was also appointed to the Board on 22 November 2016. Mr Sharpe has been a financial planner and FPA member since 2003. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, has completed a Diploma in Financial Planning, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Distinction) from Curtin University. David runs his own self-licensed financial planning firm, Globe Financial Planning, based in West Perth. Prior to being elected onto the board David spent four years on the WA FPA Chapter, including two years as Chair. In 2016 he was shortlisted for the FPA CFP® Professional of the Year Award. David can often be found in various media roles (TV, radio and print) advocating strongly for the value of advice. David chairs the Professional Standards and Conduct Committee and is also a member of the Governance and Remuneration Committee.

William Johns CFP® has been an FPA member since 2008 and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional since 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Applied Finance, Financial Planning) and a Master in Disability Studies, and has undertaken a NFP Board Member Course with the Institute of Company Directors. He is CEO and Founder of social enterprise Health & Finance Integrated (HFI), which offers financial advice to people with disabilities and chronic health conditions and their carers. He is also Founder of Claim Right Pty Ltd. William was a member of the FPA Board Policy and Regulations Committee from 2011 to 2016, the NSW State Winner in the CFP Professional Best Practice Award in 2012, the NSW State Winner for the Future2 Community Service Award in 2014, and was a finalist in the CFP Professional of the Year Award in 2016.

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