From adviser to 'paraplanner the year'

Paraplanner of the Year

Winner

Kearsten James  
Head of Advice 
Tupicoffs Pty Ltd

Finalists

Ben Nguyen 
Paraplanner
Innate Financial Services Group 

Tim Dawe 
Paraplanner 
Innate Financial Services Group 

Brisbane-based Kearsten James has been named Money Management's paraplanner of the year for being a "paraplanning specialist" and "ambassador for professional paraplanners", according the judges. James' application impressed the judges as she led the paraplanning team at Tupicoffs in the Brisbane CBD, while being the head of advice and part of their investment committee. 

She became a financial planner based on "her qualifications and ability" but chose to go back in to paraplanning, as she was "hugely passionate" about it, which was another reason why the panel "admired her".  

She also got the gong for her passion, devotion and commitment to being a paraplaner, as well as having "a huge desire to make a difference in people's lives with financial advice".  

James, who carries the certified financial planner (CFP) designation said: "My advice to paraplanners starting out is to find an employer that values and supports ongoing education. Never stop learning." 

"Doing what is in the best interest of your client is more than a legal requirement, it is the reason we go to work every day," she said.  

Victoria's Ben Nguyen and Tim Dawe, also finalists for paraplanner of the year, work for Innate Financial Services Group in Victoria. 

The judges admired Nguyen as he was involved in the CFP's education advisory committee, and also volunteered in his community, giving advice through the Financial Planning Associations' pro-bono service.  

Nguyen also led the paraplanners team at Innate and was starting to manage clients directly.  

Dawe was also highly regarded as he was developing seminars for "Gen Y" and embarking on an advice career, the judges said.  

He was commended for "quality paraplanning, education and his insurance expertise".

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