The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) has named the finalists for adviser and female excellence in advice awards.

Charles Badenach (Main Street Financial Solutions), Felicity Cooper (Cooper Wealth Management) and Joseph Hoe (Wealthwise) will vie for the Zurich-sponsored Adviser of the Year Award.

The advisers nominated for the award were measured on a number of factors including their leadership qualities, innovation, customer focus and professional excellence.

“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,” AFA CEO Phil Anderson said.

“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.”

Finalists will present to a judging panel in mid-September about their business achievements, community involvement and approach to mentoring others, as well as being able to demonstrate and articulate successful client outcomes.

AFA says the finalists for the TAL-sponsored Female Excellence in Advice Award are Amie Baker (Rekab Advice), Kathy Havers (Viridian Advisory), Morgan Hayward (Yield Financial Advisory), Madeline Jacovides (Mazi Wealth), Kathryn McDonald (Boutique Advisers) and Cara Williams (Sufficient Funds).

“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,” Mr Anderson 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.”

Winners will be announced on September 23 at the AFA Thrive Conference at the RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.