FAAA crowns inaugural award winners

The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has announced its inaugural FAAA Awards winners, presented at a gala dinner off the back of its FAAA Congress held in Adelaide this week.

The Certified Financial Planner of the Year Award went to Martin McGrath CFP® of Financial Edge Group in NSW, while Western Australia-based Boutique Advisers won the Professional Practice of the Year category.

Sacha Burchgart from Burcheart in NSW was named Adviser of the Year, Cara Williams from Sufficient Funds in Queensland took out the Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award, Jayden Adams from Adams Financial Group won the Gen Next Rising Star of the Year award and the University Student of the Year Award went to Jacob Eliopoulos of Deakin University.

FAAA chief executive, Sarah Abood, said the awards recognise the important role financial advisers play in helping Australians secure their financial wellbeing.

“The Awards recognise those who have delivered the highest standard of advice and represent the bright future of financial planning,” she said.

“I congratulate all the winners at this year’s FAAA Awards.  It has been a pleasure to witness the passion and dedication that they bring to their roles.

“All the judges enjoyed spending time talking to the finalists and hearing their stories ‘in person’ as well as putting a face to each entry.”

Abood said the judges were particularly impressed with McGrath’s “demonstrated care, engagement and understanding of the needs of his clients”, leading him to win the Certified Financial Planner of the Year Award.

“Martin provided strong examples of his strategic and technical advice and how this led to strong outcomes for his clients,” she said.

“Martin also showed how he has gone above and beyond for the financial planning profession with his strong community engagement and focus on improving financial literacy, as well as his tireless commitment to professionalism.

“The quality of the applications for each award was outstanding, and all the finalists should be very proud of their achievements.”