The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and Zurich have announced the finalists for their adviser of the year and practice of the year awards.

In the running for the adviser award are Peter “PJ” Byrne of Queensland-based Mr Insurance, David Reed from the Retirement Advice Centre in NSW, and Catherine Robson from Victoria-based Affinity Private.

Practice of the year is between Announcer (NSW), Kearney Group Financial Services (Victoria) and Robina Financial Solutions (Queensland).

Finalists for this year’s AFA female excellence in advice award have also been unveiled.

They are Esther Althaus from Perspective Financial Services, Tricia Peters from PetersMcKeown and Sharon Walker from NAB.

The award, sponsored by TAL, recognises a contribution to clients, the profession and the wider community, with a particular emphasis on financial literacy work with women.

All winners will be announced at this year’s AFA conference in Cairns on October 27.