Non-aligned adviser wins FPA CFP of the Year Award

Christopher Smith from Visis Private Wealth was recognised for embodying the highest professional standards and has delivered best practice advice that has led to superior client outcomes and was given the award at this year's FPA Professionals Congress held in Brisbane

According to FPA chief executive Mark Rantall, the award winner demonstrated true professional leadership and excellence, and a desire to go above and beyond for clients.

"Chris' commitment to professional standards as embodied by the FPA Code of Professional Practice, and the quality of the financial advice he provides to his clients, contributed to this award," he said.

Mr Smith also received the ifa Excellence Award earlier this year.

Mr Rantall said that the theme of this year's FPA Professionals Congress is 'Shaping Futures', which is exactly what professional financial planners do, every single day.

"That's why I am so pleased we can recognise someone like Chris, who has made such an outstanding contribution to our profession. The quality of his advice has already shaped and improved the future of his clients, and I hope that he will be an inspiration to others.

"When we look for true excellence in financial planning, we look for the ability to provide clear, easily-understood advice, regardless of the complexity of an individual client's circumstances. And that's what we've seen in Chris," he said.

Mr Smith started Visis Private Wealth in 2001, with a view to upholding the values of excellence, integrity and knowledge and relying on these to underpin the delivery of high quality professional advice and service. His business model is based on the fundamental tenet that clients should have confidence in the objectivity of the advice they receive, as well as in the ethical and financial motives of the firm.