MenuThe 2026 FAAA Awards are now open, with members encouraged to submit an application, or encourage their peers to do so. The FAAA Awards are designed to recognise members who deliver the highest standards of professionalism and trusted advice to Australian consumers, as well as those who have gone above and beyond to support their local community through pro bono and volunteer work.
This year, a new sub-category has been introduced with the FAAA Adviser of the Year –risk award, designed to recognise practitioners who specialise in risk-related advice.
Tania Milnes, general manager, membership and strategic initiatives, at the FAAA says the introduction of the FAAA Adviser of the Year – risk Award reflects the evolving landscape of financial advice and the critical role risk advisers play in protecting Australian clients.
“Risk advice is often the foundation of a comprehensive financial strategy, and this new award shines a well-deserved spotlight on their work.
“Alongside our existing categories, the 2026 FAAA Awards now celebrate the full breadth of excellence across our profession, from CFP® professionals to rising stars, practitioners making a difference in their communities, and the emerging talent shaping our future.
“We encourage all members to get involved and help us tell the stories of the advisers who are changing their clients’ lives every day,” Ms Milnes says.
The 2026 FAAA Awards recognise excellence in financial advice across seven categories. Full details of the criteria for each award can be found here.
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional of the Year
- Adviser of the Year – holistic (sponsored by Zurich)
- Adviser of the Year – risk (sponsored by Zurich) – NEW for 2026
- Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice (sponsored by TAL)
- FAAA Professional Practice of the Year (open to practices in the FAAA Professional Practice Program)
- Gen Next Rising Star of the Year
- University Student of the Year (sponsored by UniSuper)
Kieran Forde, head of adviser channel at Zurich Australia, congratulated all advisers nominated.
“For over 23 years now Zurich has been proud to partner with the FAAA in recognising excellence across the financial advice profession. The quality of nominations received this year reflects the strength and professionalism of Australia’s advice community.
“We are particularly pleased to support the introduction of the Risk Adviser of the Year Award, which shines a spotlight on advisers making a meaningful difference through life insurance advice. We congratulate all nominated advisers and thank them for their ongoing commitment to helping Australians build financial confidence, security and resilience,” Forde says.
Beau Riley, general manager, retail sales, and new business at TAL says: “TAL is proud to support the Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Award to recognise the women shaping the future of financial advice.
“These advisers set high standards through the way they show up – with care, integrity and a strong commitment to putting their clients first. Great advice is built on trust, consistency and doing what’s right, and this Award celebrates those who embody these values every day.
“We’re honoured to shine a light on their impact and to support them as they continue to make a difference for their clients, communities and the profession.”
Andrew Gregory, chief advice officer at UniSuper, says: “UniSuper is proud to sponsor the FAAA University Student of the Year Award for the third year running.
“This award recognises emerging talent shaping the future of financial advice through dedication, fresh thinking and a genuine commitment to making a difference. It’s an honour to judge the award entrants, and the rising calibre of entrants each year reflects both the strength of the profession and the opportunities ahead.
“I look forward to recognising this year’s nominees and celebrating their achievements at the Awards Gala in November.”
All submissions for an award must include specific examples that illustrate the applicant’s professional attributes and advice-related achievements, unique contributions, leadership qualities, and the positive impact they have had on their clients, their team, the profession, and the community.
For more details and to submit an application, click here. Members can submit award applications until 30 July. Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner Ceremony at the FAAA Congress in Melbourne on 26 November.
