Entries for the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) female excellence in advice award are up 23% this year.

The association has received 130 entries, compared with 106 last year, and CEO Richard Klipin says the calibre of nominees is “outstanding”.

“At a time when our industry is going through great change, it’s important for us to recognise and celebrate some of the outstanding new blood that’s coming through,” he said.

The award is sponsored by TAL, an organisation committed to encouraging diversity in the industry, according to CEO Retail Life Brett Clark.

“The quality of the nominations again demonstrates the calibre of women seeking to make a difference in financial services,” he said.

Judging will begin soon and the winner will be announced October 30 at the AFA conference on the Gold Coast.