An industry-first, the ifa Excellence Awards is the only awards program dedicated exclusively to independent and non-aligned financial advisers.

Adele Martin of Experience Wealth has been awarded the coveted ifa Excellence Award, chosen from among the winners of the individual adviser awards.

More than 400 of the nation’s top industry experts gathered at the Sofitel in Sydney to celebrate best practice advice provision and business acumen.

Russell Stephenson, head of wealth at Momentum Media – organiser of the event

– said the awards represent a strong endorsement of the important work being done by independent and non-aligned advice professionals across the country, helping people to achieve their financial goals.

“The response to the ifa Excellence Awards this year and the calibre of the entries have been outstanding, which is a testament to the strength of the IFA sector,” Mr Stephenson said.

“Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists. The future is bright for IFAs, as you have all clearly shown tonight.”

• ifa Excellence Award: Adele Martin, Experience Wealth Industry Thought Leader: Philippa Sheehan, MyPlanner
• Practice Principal of the Year: Anthony Stedman, Lifetime Financial Group Risk Adviser of the Year: Aaron Zelman, MediBroker
• SMSF Adviser of the Year: Chris Morcom, Hewison Private Wealth
• Newcomer of the Year: Raymond Jaramis, Treysta Financial Life Management Investment Adviser of the Year: Chris Willaton, Akambo Private Wealth
• Multi-service Practitioner of the Year: John O’Brien, VISIS Private Wealth Editor’s Choice Award: Philippa Sheehan, MyPlanner
• Innovator of the Year – Individual: Brett Evans, Atlas Wealth Management Innovator of the Year – Company: YOLO Financial Services]
• Best Client Servicing – Individual: Adele Martin, Experience Wealth Best Client Servicing – Company: Momentum Planning
• Dealer Group of the Year: GPS Wealth
• Best New Licensee: Australian Advice Network
• Boutique Advice Firm of the Year: Stanford Brown Group