Six finalists are in the running for this year’s Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) rising star award, to be presented at the group’s annual conference on Friday.

The contenders are:

• Peter Hodgson, ANZ Financial Planning
• Cathryn Gross, The Wealth Network
• Brent Story, AMP Financial Planning
• Maritza Kriel, Synchron
• Gregory Adam Bloom, Yellow Brick Road
• Erin Truscott, Financial Wisdom.

“This year’s entrants are particularly strong,” AFA CEO Brad Fox said.

“We are seeing the work the industry has done over the past five or so years to promote our profession now coming through in terms of professional qualifications, experience and, most importantly, a desire to provide clear, transparent and trusted advice.”

ANZ Wealth sponsors the award, established in 2005.

Applicants had to show how they bring innovation to the provision of advice, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development.

The AFA conference will be at the National Convention Centre in Canberra later this week.