Finalists for the Financial Advice Association Australia excellence awards have been revealed, with the winners to be announced at the peak body’s annual conference gala dinner in Melbourne on November 26. 

Association GM for membership and strategic initiatives Tania Milnes says this year’s finalists reflect the “breadth of talent” across the profession. 

“Each finalist embodies the professionalism and care that defines our profession, whether through their exceptional client work, their leadership within their organisations, their contributions to their local community, or their potential as emerging professionals,” Ms Milnes said.

Here are the finalists by category:

- Certified Financial Planner professional of the year: Scott Quinlan (Solace Financial), Dawn Thomas (The Wealth Designers), John Versace (Apt Wealth Partners) 

- Inspire women excellence in advice: Sophie Doyle (Morgans Financial Limited), Morgan Hayward (Lume Wealth), Andrea Jenkins (Jenbury Financial)

- Risk adviser: Mark Everingham (Personal Risk Professionals), Cameron Peck (Safeguard Life) 

- Holistic adviser: Nathan Fradley (Fradley Advice), Charmaine Hall (Unbound Financial) 

- Professional practice: Apt Wealth Partners (Vic), Oxlade Financial (Queensland), Solace Financial (Queensland) 

 - Gen next rising star: Eleanor Bagg (EJM Advice), Braden King (Everest Wealth), Lydia Toghill (Collins SBA)

- University student: Kayla Bradfield (Swinburne University of Technology), Linda Connolly (Deakin University), Jaxon Goddard (Curtin University)