FAAA celebrates adviser excellence

The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has announced the winners of its annual awards in Brisbane overnight, including Adviser of the Year and CFP Professional of the Year.

Presented as part of the annual FAAA Congress, the awards presented included Adviser of the Year, Certified Financial Planner Professional of the Year, Professional Practice of the Year, the Inspire Women Excellence in Advice Award, Gen Next Rising Star of the Year, and University Student of the Year.

Founder and strategic wealth adviser at Melbourne-based Thriving Wealth John Cachia was named the FAAA Adviser of the Year.

As a sponsor of the award, Zurich Australia head of adviser channel Kieran Ford congratulated Cachia for his contributions.

"Being part of the judging panel and seeing first-hand the talent and passion from all nominees has been an honour," Ford said.

"John demonstrated outstanding expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement."

Meanwhile, the winner of the FAAA Certified Financial Planner Professional of the Year Award was Bianca Musico of Melbourne's Warr Hunt.

"Bianca has demonstrated a clear passion for the financial planning profession, and we commend her selfless focus on developing talent in our profession," FAAA chief executive Sarah Abood said.

"Bianca has played a key role in helping her clients achieve their financial goals for more than a decade, and she is to be congratulated as this year's FAAA Certified Financial Planner Professional of the Year."

On the other hand, Capital Partners won the FAAA Professional Practice of the Year Award.

Abood noted the firm's holistic approach to financial advice as the winning factor.

She said Capital Partners' success came from its focus on aligning clients' wealth with their personal values and life goals, and its comprehensive and sustained commitment to both business and succession planning.

Meantime, Mazi Wealth director Deline Jacovides from Brisbane received the FAAA Inspire Women - Excellence in Advice Award.

Presenting the award, TAL general manager, retail sales and new business Beau Riley said Jacovides deserves to be "applauded for being an outstanding financial adviser and giving back to her community by empowering more women to take control of their financial futures."

Additionally, Apt Wealth Partners Melbourne professional adviser Jakob Ayres has snatched the title of the FAAA Gen Next Rising Star of the Year, while the FAAA University Student of the Year Award was awarded to Emma McKenzie from NSW.

Abood said the awards acknowledge the important role advisers play.

"Financial advice is critically important for all Australians in maximising their financial resilience, achieving their goals and having confidence about what the future holds," she said.

"The FAAA awards are a way of recognising dedicated advisers who are committed to helping fellow Australian achieve better financial outcomes."

FAAA general manager for membership Tania Milnes echoed Abood's statement, saying the awards celebrate achievements across the wider advice profession.

"The FAAA awards recognise excellence within the Australian financial advice profession and celebrate those demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism and care," Milnes said.

"I congratulate all the winners and the finalists at this year's awards. Together, we can celebrate the best of financial planning in Australia."