Queensland and WA members dominate the finalist line-up for the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) excellence in education award.

From Queensland, Stephen Nielsen of Ascent Wealth Management and Jason Fittler of Grow Your Wealth are in the running.

The WA finalists are Joe Hoe from Wealthwise and Steve Dobson of Mal Dobson & Associates.

Christie Rigg from 360Private is the SA finalist, while Simon Duigan from Main Street Financial Solutions represents Tasmania, Warren Strybosch from Find Wealth is the Victorian finalist and Karen Walmsley from Powe Financial is the NSW representative.

AFA GM Member Services Nick Hakes says it is encouraging to see so many advisers embracing higher levels of education.

“There is a real shift in the mindset of advisers towards investing in education as a practical way of adapting to the seismic forces that are shaping the financial advice landscape,” he said. “The candidates for this year’s award are simply outstanding.

“Their education journeys demonstrate how education has helped them build not only their own knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, but also that of their clients.”

Mr Hakes says the finalists have invested in a broad range of academic disciplines that go beyond traditional technical areas.

“It is this kind of broad investment in education that will reshape how we think about adviser education and ultimately help them grow the demand for great advice,” he said.

Asteron has again sponsored this year’s award. The winner will be announced at the AFA National Adviser Conference in Canberra in October.