IFA recognises contribution to financial advice profession

19 July 2012

IFA recognises outstanding contribution to financial advice profession

The Institute of Financial Advisers (IFA) recognised the significant contribution made by several prominent members to the financial advisory profession at its annual conference last night.

Three Presidents Awards and one Fellow were presented at the Institute’s awards dinner – held at the Rendezvous Hotel in Auckland.

IFA Fellowships are awarded to selected IFA members who have contributed significantly to the profession and given special service to the IFA at Council, Board and Committee level for more than ten years.

This year the Fellow was presented to Lyn McMorran who, as former president of IFA from 2008 to 2010 and committed Board Member from 2005 to 2010 has dedicated considerable time and contribution to the industry.

IFA president Nigel Tate says Lyn oversaw some of the industry’s biggest transition in the financial services industry following the introduction of the Financial Advisers Act. “Lyn was at the forefront of this change, representing the IFA and its members with unequivocal commitment and dedication."

During her tenure, Lyn also represented the IFA internationally at the FPSB level and was Wellington branch committee member for four years. Lyn is current chair of the IFA’s Special Interest Group (SIG) for lending.

The three Presidents awards presented last night went to George Hill, Colleen Dennehy and Don Broad. Presidents Awards present an opportunity for the IFA to recognise the quiet achievers, including volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy and intellect over a prolonged period of time and in doing so have earned the respect and gratitude of their peers for their selfless service.

Tate says Hill has made significant contributions to the Institute, both at his local branch in Canterbury where he has been vice chair for the past five years and as a regular representative at national council.

“George adds considered input and sound judgement at all times and is highly respected by his peers for his ethics and willingness to assist the Institute for the benefit of all members,” Tate says. “His contribution as a mentor and guide to his branch has been vital to the ongoing success of the Canterbury branch.”

Colleen is a very popular Auckland branch committee member and member of the 2012 conference committee. Colleen has worked in financial services for over 20 years and has broad industry knowledge across insurance, investments and mortgages.

“Colleen is legendary for her laugh and the energy she exudes. If you want something done, she is the person to ask. Prior to joining the financial services industry Colleen was a teacher and regularly organises highly successful Women in Finance events in Auckland, with amazing speakers and huge attendances.”

Broad has chaired the Otago branch committee for the past three years and has made a valuable contribution at Council level to ensure high Institute standards are practised and the Otago membership is well represented.

“Don is prepared to not only organise events but roll up his sleeves and do what’s required to ensure its success,” Tate says. “Don has also taken responsibility for organising the very successful Otago branch annual ‘Men’s Health Forum’ which shows the Institute in great light within the local community.”

Institute of Financial Advisers Vision
To be recognised as the professional body for financial advice in New Zealand.

IFA Mission
To help our members reach their full potential to deliver professional, quality financial advice to New Zealanders.

IFA Background
The Institute of Financial Advisers is the professional body for some 1,000 members, representing financial advisers in New Zealand. All members are individual members, not corporate members. We estimate that our members provide advice to some 200,000 New Zealanders each year, many of whom would be couples rather than individuals, with an overall client base of around 600,000.

Our members provide advice to their clients in the areas of insurance, investments, financial planning, work-based savings and insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and financial services generally. Their professional practices reflect the broad spectrum of New Zealand businesses – they operate as local SME’s, are part of large regional or national dealer groups, are associated with strong financial organisations, services companies in banking, funds management, or insurance, work in employee benefits organisations, or sometimes practice as lawyers, accountants and other professional advisers.

The Institute reinforces compliance with a code of ethics and practice standards, runs a Professional Conduct Committee and Disciplinary Tribunal that are independently chaired, offers education pathways that can lead to professional designations and the attainment of internationally recognised adviser marks, maintains and ensures compliance with a continuing professional development programme, and provides networking, education, development, and business practice forums at a national and regional level for members.

ENDS

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