The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has named John Moran from Apt Wealth Partners as winner of its third Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award.

The Melbourne-based business’ Head of Advice was the best-performing student on last semester’s Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program. He has donated his $1000 prize money to the FPA’s charitable foundation, Future2.

The award honours the late Ms Fletcher’s commitment to improving education among financial advisers and bringing the CFP program to Australia.

Mr Moran says the program signals trust and confidence to consumers.

“Apt Wealth Partners believes strongly in the CFP designation and the valuable work the FPA does,” he said.

FPA CEO Mark Rantall says Mr Moran has made an “exceptional contribution to clients and the wider community”. He hopes Mr Moran’s commitment to the program “inspires other planners to aim for the high standards Gwen set”.

There are about 5500 CFPs in Australia. It is the only financial planning designation recognised worldwide.