The Financial Planning Association (FPA) has named the winners of its annual awards celebrating excellence in professionalism and client advice provision.

FPA also announced Brigitta Hembrow Gersey of Elston Private Wealth is 2022 Semester One recipient of the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award at its Professionals Congress event in Sydney last week.

The award is named after the late Gwen Fletcher to honour her commitment to improving education among financial advisers and bringing the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program to Australia.

“The CFP Certification Program is a rigorous program of study, and to win this award is a real achievement,” FPA CEO Sarah Abood said.

Here are the winners across the four categories:

Financial Planner Professional of the Year Award: Andy Reynolds of EFS Advice in NSW. FPA says the award acknowledges his commitment to the profession, and the care and diligence he shows clients who are going through life altering events.

Financial Planner AFP of the Year Award: Lili Hong of Future Gen Solutions in Queensland. The judges commended Ms Hong for her dedication to building a reputable career as a financial planner. She demonstrated dedication to her clients, and assisted those in need while looking for unconventional solutions to help migrants understand Australia’s complex financial services system.

Professional Practice of the Year Award: Alman Partners in Queensland. The judges selected the firm based on its clear succession plan, which involved supporting advisers to becoming partners in the practice, and its continued commitment to diversity.

University Student of the Year Award: Matthew Kanizay of Deakin University. He was selected based on his strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.