Matt Hale, a planner with Financial Design For Life in Victoria, has been named this year’s Association of Financial Advisers’ (AFA) Rising Star.

The award, sponsored by OnePath, recognises quality, holistic advice, a commitment to education and a contribution to the industry and community.

The award was presented yesterday on the first day of the AFA’s national conference on the Gold Coast, which is being attended by more than 800 delegates.

“Matt is university-educated, has a very strong advice process, is focused on his clients, is a leader within the AFA and raises funds for his chosen charity,” AFA CEO Richard Klipin said.

Other finalists for the award were Angus Gallagher, Knightcorp Life Insurance & Wealth Management, WA; Cameron Forbes, Forbes Financial Planning, Victoria; Meike Suggars, Suggars & Associates, Victoria; and Scott Mitton, RI Advice, Victoria.

Additional reports from the AFA conference will feature in our first edition of Life+Heath insuranceNEWS.com.au on Wednesday.