AMP’s Helmich receives lifetime achievement award

The dinner, held at Movie World on the Gold Coast, honoured several financial services identities at the FSC Industry Excellence Awards.

It was announced recently that Mr Helmich would be leaving AMP after 41 years.

Since joining as a junior new business clerk in 1973, he has held a number of senior roles at AMP, including leading the financial planning business.

The FSC said that in recent years he has championed quality advice – advocating increased professionalism and standards. He was appointed managing director of AMP Financial Planning in 1996 and established AMP's financial planning model. He was subsequently appointed director, advice and services, working in the role from 2000 to 2013.

"Steve played an instrumental role in the establishment of Horizons, AMP's financial planning training academy in 2007... He steadfastly advocates and promotes the value advice delivers Australians," the FSC said in a statement.

Other award recipients were: Alan Lewitton of Perpetual; Janet Beale of AMP; Jim Baker of MLC; Matthew Thomas of BT Financial Group; Geoff Ferguson of CBA; Geoff Summerhayes of Suncorp Life Limited; Richard Snowden of King & Wood Mallesons; and Nathan Jacobsen of Perpetual.

According to the FSC, the award winners demonstrated outstanding contributions to the financial services industry.