The names of the grand finalists in this year’s AFA Adviser of the Year and Practice of the Year Awards have been released.
2014 marks the introduction of a new Award category, which takes into account the changing financial advisory landscape and the evolution of new advice business models. For the first time, individual advisers and advice practices will be recognised separately for their contribution to the advice profession.
The grand finalists in the 2014 AFA Adviser of the Year Award are:
- Catherine Robson, Affinity Private, Vic
- Eleanor Dartnall, Dartnall Advisers, NSW
- PJ (Peter) Byrne, Mr Insurance, Qld
… And the grand finalists in the inaugural AFA Practice of the Year Award are:
The grand finalists in both Awards were selected after undergoing an intensive 360-degree judging process, which focused on education, experience, leadership within the profession, advocacy and innovation. An extensive client survey forms part of the judging process, which also includes a site visit from a member of the judging panel, prior to a final full-day presentation event, in which the grand finalists will shortly participate.
AFA CEO, Brad Fox, said: “As an Association, we are incredibly proud of the financial advisers that have entered the awards. The calibre of grand finalists proves that as a profession, we have a lot to celebrate. Each year, through the rigorous judging process, we get an important reminder that quality advice is still the norm in Australia, and that the very best are world class. Financial advice is first and foremost a service business and our grand finalists are incredible exponents of this.”
Philip Kewin, the GM Retail Life & Investments at Zurich, which has sponsored the Awards since their inception in 2003, noted that despite the diversity of business models used by this year’s finalists, each delivers a consistently exceptional customer experience.
“As the premier advice awards, our finalists have always been the vanguards and pioneers of the advice profession.
“This glimpse into the future of advice and advice practices reveals much diversity and innovation in the ways advice is being made more accessible, and the overriding focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience augurs well for the profession and the community overall,” he said.
The winners of both Awards will be announced at a gala dinner on the final evening of the AFA 2014 National Adviser Conference, to be held in Cairns from 12-14 October. Click here for more details on these two prestigious Awards.
