Nominations have opened for the Association of Financial Advisers’ (AFA) 2010 Rising Star of the Year and Adviser of the Year awards.

The Rising Star award recognises “the bright young sparks” of the financial advice industry, and will be sponsored for the sixth consecutive year by ING Australia.

Zurich Financial Services Australia is again sponsoring the Adviser of the Year award, which recognises experienced members who have made significant contributions to their clients, their colleagues, their communities and their profession.

AFA President Jim Taggart says the AFA is looking for advisers who stand head and shoulders above their peers.

Nominations for both awards close on July 31, and the winners will be named at the AFA National Conference’s gala ball on the Gold Coast on October 26.