CFP student of the year honours Gwen Fletcher

Amy Early – a financial adviser with Crowe Horwath – received the award for earning the highest marks in last semester’s CFP certification program.

Ms Early paid tribute to pioneering adviser Gwen Fletcher, citing her as an inspiration.

“Gwen Fletcher was an outstanding role model and her commitment to assisting financial planners in helping their clients is very inspiring,” she said.

“Receiving this award is a great motivation to constantly aim for the high standards that Gwen set and to make a meaningful contribution to our profession.”

Ms Early – who holds degrees in economics and politics – said she had been initially unsure what she wanted to do as a career but knew she enjoyed problem-solving and helping others.

“After doing some research, financial planning seemed to be the perfect fit and I haven’t looked back since,” she said.

“Gwen believed that financial planning was first and foremost about helping people and this shone through in her efforts to constantly improve the profession.

"Gwen left a lasting impact, and perhaps as a result of this, more women than ever are joining the profession."

She thanked her employers, Patrick Giddy and Peter Cheadle, for their support during her studies. 

FPA CEO Mark Rantall congratulated Ms Early on her achievements.

“It is through planners like Amy – who have a clear commitment to education and higher professional standards – that we will continue to show the true value of quality financial advice,” he said.