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The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) has announced the finalists of the 2022 Adviser of the Year and Female Excellence in Advice Awards (FEIA), along with respective initiative partners Zurich Financial Services Australia and TAL.

Winners will be announced at the AFA Thrive Conference held later in September at the RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast, with the FEIA Awards celebrating its tenth edition of recognising the female contribution to financial advice and the wider community.

The 2022 Adviser of the Year Award finalists are Charles Badenach from Main Street Financial Solutions, Felicity Cooper from Cooper Wealth Management and Joseph Hoe from Wealthwise.

The finalists of the 2022 FEIA Awards are Amie Baker from Rekab Advice, Kathy Havers from Viridian Advisory, Morgan Hayward from Yield Financial Advisory, Madeline Jacovides from Mazi Wealth, Kathryn McDonald from Boutique Advisers and Cara Williams from Sufficient Funds.

“It’s been an honour to participate as a judge in the award process this year, to see the incredible calibre of candidates,” Phil Anderson, AFA chief executive, said.

“The AFA and Zurich have supported this award for nearly 20 years, helping showcase outstanding advisers from across the profession, and this year has been no exception.

“It gives you great confidence for the future of the profession to see the high levels of expertise and commitment these advisers have in helping their clients achieve great outcomes.”

“As an ongoing partner of this prestigious award, we are pleased to provide a platform that recognises and celebrates these talented individuals who drive positive change through their leadership, innovation, customer-centricity and commitment to professional excellence and financial literacy,” Kieran Forde, Zurich’s Life and Investments Chief Distribution Officer, said.

“These individuals make us proud to be a part of an industry that does so much good for individuals and the broader community.”

Anderson also congratulated the finalists of the FEIA Award.

“The objective of this award is simply compelling, to get more females into the advice profession and to encourage more females to access financial advice,” he said.

“It is remarkable to reflect upon the fantastic winners and finalists over the ten years of this award, to see such fantastic role models, many of whom have gone on to take leadership positions within the profession.”

“Now in its tenth year, the Female Excellence in Advice Award continues to recognise outstanding female advisers,” Niall McConville, General Manager of Retail Distribution at TAL, said.

“We hope in celebrating the achievements and unique perspectives of each of today’s finalists we can encourage more women to become financial advisers and in turn encourage more Australians to engage with their finances.”