Clever staff development and retention strategies helped New South Wales planner Phillip Young clinch the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) Adviser of the Year award.
The Australian Financial Risk Management (AFRM) chief executive was presented with the accolade at the AFA National Conference in Queensland on Tuesday.
The risk specialist has 18 years' experience. AFRM has offices in Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Port Macquarie.
"Phillip Young is exactly the kind of winner that the AFA would expect," AFA national president Dennis Bateman said.
"The business is extremely professional, compliance is integrated into the whole client experience and staff development and their retention is well structured."
Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Oceania chairman Beverley Carlyon, Paul Daily, Adam Smith and MDRT divisional vice president Ross Vanderwolf were also finalists chosen from 24 nominees.
"In this decade of staff shortages and a talent drought, the business strategies of all finalists showed how they had sought ways to keep staff to ensure the ongoing growth of their businesses," AFA chief executive Richard Klipin said.
"Given the insatiable demand for wealth and retirement advice, the advisory firm of the future may be as focused on getting good staff as it is on seeking good clients."
Zurich sponsored the award, which is now in its fifth year.
