Eleven semi-finalists will compete for this year’s Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) female excellence in advice award.

The contenders are:

• Wealth Planning Partners Director Amanda Cassar
• Fryer Financial Services Principal Cathy Lowder
• Insight Financial Partners Senior Wealth Adviser Fran Hughes
• ARC Wealth CEO Karen Vickers
• MHP Private Wealth Adviser Lea Schodel
• Nicole Heales Financial Adviser Nicole Heales
• Peters McKeown Director Patricia Peters
• Caboodie Financial Services co-founder Peita Diamantidis
• Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Senior VP Susan Rallings
• Anne Street Partners Senior Adviser Tracy Dyer
• First Advice Solutions Director Tracey Edwards.

The award recognises contributions to clients, community and the profession – particularly around financial literacy and helping female clients take control of their finances.

AFA CEO Brad Fox says the award reflects the association’s commitment to positive change in the financial advice sector.

“The AFA is immensely proud of the calibre of entrants it attracts, and ultimately the finalists and in particular the winner,” he said.

“Our profession is going through significant change, and to see more women advisers coming through providing great advice to Australians is very important from a diversity perspective.”

The award is sponsored by TAL. The prize is a $15,000 education package, customised to the winner’s interests and requirements. The winner will be announced at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Canberra from October 5-7.