The winners of the FAAA annual awards have been announced at the FAAA Congress in Brisbane with the top awards going to two advisers from Melbourne, while the Professional Practice of the Year Award went to a firm from Perth.
The FAAA says the awards 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:
- Certified Financial Planner Professional of the Year: Bianca Musico – Warr Hunt
- Adviser of the Year (sponsored by Zurich Australia): John Cachia – Thriving Wealth
- Professional Practice of the Year: Capital Partners
- Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice (sponsored by TAL): Deline Jacovides – Mazi Wealth
- Gen Next Rising Star of the Year: Jakob Ayres – Apt Wealth Partners
- FAAA University Student of the Year Award (sponsored by UniSuper): Emma McKenzie
FAAA CEO Sarah Abood, says the Certified Financial Planner Professional of the Year Award is a “…testament to Bianca Musico’s passion for developing the next generation of advisers and ensuring as many people as possible gain access to sound financial advice.”
Musico joined Warr Hunt in 2013 and holds leadership responsibility in the head of advice role. She became a principal of the firm in 2024.
Abood also noted the winner of the FAAA Adviser of the Year Award, John 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.”
Cachia is the founder and strategic wealth adviser of Melbourne-based Thriving Wealth.
Kieran Forde, Head of Adviser Channel at Zurich Australia, congratulated Cachia. “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.”
The winner of the FAAA Professional Practice of the Year Award, Capital Partners, which is based in Perth, was established in 1999 by David Andrew and has grown significantly over the past two decades and now employs 50 staff members.
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.”
