The winners of the FAAA annual awards have been announced at this year’s FAAA Congress in Brisbane.

The awards are a highlight of the FAAA calendar and recognise members who deliver the highest standards of professional financial advice, as well as those who go above and beyond to support their local communities. The awards also highlight the contribution of outstanding university students who represent the exciting future of the financial advice profession.

The winner of the FAAA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year Award is Bianca Musico CFP® at WARR HUNT, Melbourne.

FAAA chief executive officer, Sarah Abood, said the award is a testament to Ms Musico’s passion for developing the next generation of advisers and ensuring as many people as possible gain access to sound financial advice.  

Ms Musico joined the firm in 2013 and holds leadership responsibility in the important head of advice role. She became a principal of the firm in 2024.

“Bianca has demonstrated a clear passion for the financial planning profession, and we commend her selfless focus on developing talent in our profession,” Ms Abood said.

“Bianca has played a key role in helping her clients achieve their financial goals for more than a decade, and she is to be congratulated as this year’s FAAA CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year.”

The winner of the FAAA Professional Practice of the Year Award is Capital Partners, based in Perth. Established in 1999 by David Andrew, the firm has grown significantly over the past two decades and now employs 50 staff members. Ms Abood noted Capital Partners’ holistic approach to financial advice, focusing on aligning clients' wealth with their personal values and life goals, and its comprehensive and sustained commitment to both business and succession planning.

John Cachia, founder and strategic wealth adviser of Melbourne based company Thriving Wealth is the winner of FAAA Adviser of the Year (sponsored by Zurich Australia). Ms Abood noted Mr Cachia’s 21 years’ experience in the financial services profession, and his success in integrating the wealth coaching and behavioural finance disciplines with financial planning.

Kieran Forde, head of adviser channel at Zurich Australia (sponsor of the FAAA Adviser of the Year) congratulated John Cachiafor winning this award.

“Being part of the judging panel and seeing first-hand the talent and passion from all nominees has been an honour. John demonstrated outstanding expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement."

Deline Jacovides, CFP® and director of Mazi Wealth - a boutique financial advice firm based in Brisbane - received the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award (sponsored by TAL). Ms Abood noted Ms Jacovides strives to inspire more women to both seek and provide financial advice and is a fierce advocate for closing the superannuation gender gap and improving financial literacy. She also serves as the treasurer for Women in Super QLD, contributing to the organisation's efforts to enhance women’s financial security.

Beau Riley, general manager, retail sales & new business of TAL (sponsor of the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award), said Ms Jacovides is a very deserving winner of the 2024 Award.

“Deline should be applauded for being an outstanding financial adviser and giving back to her community by empowering more women to take control of their financial futures”.

Jakob Ayres, a provisional adviser at Apt Wealth Partners Melbourne, was the FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year. He joined Apt Wealth Partners in 2020, in Apt Wealth’s graduate program and became an adviser with his own client base through Apt’s Professional Year program in 2023. He is currently studying for his CFP certification and was awarded top student in Unit 2 of his studies. Ms Abood noted Mr Ayres’ passion for helping others and making a difference in the community, which is what drew him to the financial advice profession initially.

The FAAA University Student of the Year Award (sponsored by UniSuper) was awarded to Emma McKenzie from the Central-West of NSW. Says Ms Abood, “Emma’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to the financial advice profession, particularly in relation to bridging the advice gap for Australians in regional areas, really stood out. She has sought to continue her professional growth and pursued further education opportunities with Deakin University, firstly achieving a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning and then later a Graduate Diploma and is now working towards obtaining a Masters Degree.”

Andrew Gregory, general manager, financial advice and education with UniSuper (sponsor of the FAAA University Student of the Year award), said: “UniSuper celebrates the recognition of Emma McKenzie.

“This award holds a special place in our hearts as we understand the transformative power of education. Alongside the FAAA, UniSuper are committed to nurturing the next generation of advice professionals in the sector.”

FAAA general manger for membership, Tania Milnes, said the awards were a chance to celebrate achievements across the wider advice profession and shine a light on those that have gone above and beyond in their field and in their community.

“The FAAA awards recognise excellence within the Australian financial advice profession and celebrate those demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism and care. I congratulate all the winners and the finalists at this year’s awards. Together, we can celebrate the best of financial planning in Australia,” she said.

Ms Abood said Australia has the highest standards in the world for the provision of financial advice, and the role of the profession remains critical.

“Financial advice is critically important for all Australians in maximising their financial resilience, achieving their goals and having confidence about what the future holds,” she said.

“The FAAA awards are a way of recognising dedicated advisers who are committed to helping fellow Australian achieve better financial outcomes.”

Ms Abood also thanked the sponsors of the awards – and pointed to their commitment to the advancement of excellence in financial advice.