Deakin students sweep top prizes at AMP’s annual financial planning awards

Three students enrolled in Deakin University’s financial planning program have been awarded the top prize at AMP’s annual competition honouring the best emerging advice talent among Australian university and tertiary education students.

In its 14th year, the AMP University Challenge seeks out the most promising emerging financial planning talent from the tertiary sector, with candidates assessed on their technical knowledge and practical advice skillsets.

Held in Melbourne, the annual event, AMP notes, “provides a platform for identifying promising new talent and promoting high standards of education and professionalism among the next generation of advisers”.

As part of the 2024 challenge, finalists undertook a mock advice interview with two clients and delivered a presentation on how advisers can position themselves to make the most of the intergenerational wealth transfer.

The Challenge is integrated into students’ ongoing curriculum and assessment, and promoted among those enrolled in financial planning majors.

Finalists were also offered an opportunity to consult with senior advice professionals and financial planning academics and receive advice on their studies and career opportunities.

Jack Weiland, Jordan Bertucci and Ryan Auwardt from Deakin’s financial planning program took out first prize in the 2024 edition, together awarded $3,000 for their efforts.

Deakin students also swept second place at this year’s awards, claimed by Muyeang Seng and Christian Mahon. Third place went to John McMahon from TAFE NSW.

Deakin University, with its main campuses in Melbourne and Geelong, boasts of “industry-leading” financial planning courses spanning undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The Deakin Business School (DBS) is among the five per cent of business schools globally accredited by AACSB International, a respected international accrediting body for business schools.

Since its inaugural edition in 2011, more than 6,000 students from 21 universities across Australia have participated in the University Challenge, with “many going on to join the financial advice profession”, AMP said.

Among the participating universities in this and previous years’ editions have included RMIT, Macquarie University and Deakin University.

Matt Lawler, AMP’s group executive of advice, said the firm was “passionate about empowering the next generation of advisers as a core pillar in helping continue to instil confidence in the professionalism of financial advice”.

“Our team continues to work hard to strengthen our relationships with our tertiary partners, helping provide scholarships to the next generation of students and aspiring financial planning professionals.”

On the judging panel for the 2024 awards were: Mathew Gale, general manager and director of Hanmoore Financial Solutions; Marshall Ross, partner education manager at MLC Life Insurance; Phil Anderson, general manager policy, advocacy and standards from the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA).