FAAA announces Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award recipient

Craig Roberts of Elston Private Wealth in Queensland has been named the latest recipient of the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award, which he said symbolised the “pinnacle” of his formal education.

The award, named in honour of the late Gwen Fletcher, whom the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) describes as the “First Lady of Financial Planning”, is given to the highest performing student in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification unit in each semester.

Roberts is a Private Wealth Adviser at Elston’s Brisbane firm and has a bachelor of business in accounting and a postgraduate diploma in financial planning. Prior to joining the advice profession, he worked as an accountant for seven years.

Speaking on this achievement, Roberts said it is an honour to be receiving the award.

“Financial planning is about helping people navigate some of the most important decisions of their lives. Trust is essential in our profession and the CFP certification is recognised as the highest standard in our industry,” Roberts said.

“Undertaking the CFP certification was an important step in demonstrating my commitment to developing the skills, knowledge and professionalism to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients and provide them with the confidence that their financial futures are in safe hands.”

Anne Palmer, FAAA general manager, education, congratulated Roberts on the award and his dedication to the profession.

“Everyone who takes part in the CFP Certification Program puts in a high degree of work and effort, so it is always a challenge to select one person to receive this award,” Palmer said.

“Craig has shown dedication and commitment to his studies, while at the same time continuing with his work for his clients and also having a young family. On behalf of the FAAA, I congratulate him on having achieved the peak level of qualification in financial planning.

“Our latest Value of Advice research shows that CFPs achieve the highest recognition of the value of financial advice amongst consumers, which reflects their extra level of dedication. We are seeing more of our members considering taking part in the program, which is very good news for the profession as a whole.”