Entries for the Association of Financial Advisers’ 2012 Female Excellence in Advice Award have opened.

The award, which is sponsored by TAL, recognises female financial advisers making a significant contribution to their profession, community and clients.

TAL Retail Life CEO Brett Clark says the award will ultimately benefit the industry as a whole.

“We want all women to see value in a career in financial services and the financial advice sector in particular,” he said. 

“We want peers to encourage peers, creating an industry culture that above all delivers excellence for Australian consumers of financial services.”

Olivia Maragna from Aspire Retire Financial Services in Queensland won last year’s inaugural award.

This year’s winner will receive prizes valued at more than $4600, including a full scholarship to complete an executive leadership course at Macquarie Graduate School of Management.

Entries close on July 31.

Meanwhile, entries close on Friday for this year’s Association of Financial Advisers Excellence in Education awards.

The award is given for an adviser’s commitment and excellence to their business, local community and the advice industry.

Jordan Hawke, EGM of sponsor Asteron Life, says the insurer believes continuing education is the foundation for raising the professional standing of advisers.

“The proposed Future of Financial Advice reforms highlight the importance of continuing education in continually raising the quality of financial advice,” he said.