Australia's first lady of financial planning, Gwen Fletcher has won an international financial planning award.
Fresh from being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Fletcher has been selected to receive the heart of financial planning distinguished service award from the Financial Planning Association (FPA) in the United States.
She is believed to be the first international member of the peak body to receive the honour.
Fletcher is one of eight recipients to receive the recognition this year.
She was nominated by Tom L. Potts, Professor of Finance and Director of the Financial Services and Planning Program at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Fletcher is receiving the award because she deserves it, Potts said.
"When I think of the global financial planning profession and contributions to the profession and society I immediately think of Gwen Fletcher," he said.
"Gwen is often referred to as the first lady of Australian financial planning, but she has had an impact globally as well.
"She has been a pioneer and leader in Australian financial planning and she has also been active in promoting international cooperation in the development of the profession. Gwen definitely exhibits FPA's core values and she is universally respected and loved."
Fletcher will be presented with the award on September 8 at an awards ceremony and charitable gala in Seattle.
"I'm thrilled because I'm the first international planner to win," Fletcher said.
Fletcher was made an AM in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list for service to the development of the financial planning industry through education and training initiatives and the mentoring of women.
She applied for one of the first Australian licenses to be a financial planner and established the first investment training course in the country.
Gwen served as Chair of the IAFP Australia from 1991-92, leading the association through a merger to form today's Financial Planning Association (FPA). She was later awarded the FPA's first ever life membership.
