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

Adviser of the year finalists are Charlie Fraser from Shadforth Financial Group, Glen James from Fortify Financial and Julia Schortinghuis from Lighthouse Capital.

The practice of the year contenders are Australian Financial Risk Management, Mediq and PFG Financial Services.

Zurich Life and Investments CEO Tim Bailey says the calibre of finalists is “exceptional”.

“In the face of technological disruption, intense regulator and media scrutiny and heightened consumer expectations, these are the advisers and advice practices who are truly taking the advice profession forward,” he said.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on October 13 at the AFA conference on the Gold Coast.