The finalists for the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) annual Awards have been announced, across six professional categories.
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.
