FPA reveals Gwen Fletcher award winner

Victorian adviser Erica Cummins of Graham Wealth (licensed by AMP Financial Planning practice) was named as this year’s winner of the annual award.

Named after Australia’s “First Lady of Financial Planning”, the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award recognises the highest performing student in the final unit of the CFP program, the FPA said in a statement.

FPA chief executive Dante De Gori said Ms Cummins’ performance in the CFP program demonstrated her dedication to the industry.

“Erica’s outstanding results are a testament to her commitment and dedication to advancing her career through gaining the CFP designation. I look forward to welcoming her into our growing CFP professional community,” he said.

Ms Cummins, also a mother of three, said she was excited for the recognition and was pleased to see increasing numbers of women in the CFP program.

“It’s an honour to receive this award as Gwen Fletcher was an inspiration. She did so much towards developing and nurturing the financial planning profession - I hope that I can live up to the example set by this amazing woman,” she said.

“Women are still under represented in the profession, so I think it’s fantastic that more women are studying to achieve the CFP designation. Hopefully it’s a sign that there are an increasing number of us are stepping up into those leading financial planning advising roles, and bringing to the table a different skill set.”