AFA announces Female Excellence finalists

AFA chief executive Brad Fox said the annual award is an important step in the continuous recognition of the achievements of women in financial advice.

“Showcasing the talents of female financial advisers is particularly important in the mission to increase the number of individuals, particularly women, who seek advice to gain appropriate superannuation savings, insurance and overall financial well-being,” Mr Fox said.

“The Award is a catalyst to attract more women to become financial advisers and to bring their talents, including empathy and understanding, to the advice market place,” he said.

TAL Life chief executive Brett Clark said the shortlisting the final group from the semi-finalists proved to be difficult for the judges because of the “very high standards”.

“The finalists are all exceptional candidates and congratulations to each of them for making the final cut in what has been a highly competitive year for the Award,” Mr Clark said.

“This year all of the semi-finalists attended a special two-day master class on leadership and development which they highly valued as part of the award program,” he said.

The finalists for the 2014 Award are:

• Adrienne Rush, Bendigo Financial Planning
• Dominique Bergel-Grant, Leapfrog Financial
• Kate McCallum, Multiforte Financial Services
• Sarah Riegelhuth, Wealth Enhancers

The winner will be announced at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Cairns on 14 October.

Update: The AFA has also announced with Zurich the finalists in the 2014 AFA Adviser of the Year Award and in its newest award: AFA Practice of the Year. 

The finalists for the 2014 Award are:

• Catherine Robson, Affinity Private
• Eleanor Dartnall, Dartnall Advisers Pty Ltd
• PJ Byrne, Mr Insurance

The finalists for the 2014 practice of the year are:

• Complete Financial Balance
• Rising Tide Financial Services
• Robina Financial Solutions Pty Ltd