National recognition of both individuals and firms in independent financial advice was at the forefront of the prestigious ifa Excellence Awards, with the 2025 event once again delivering an exceptional showcase of industry achievement.
The black-tie gala at the Hilton Sydney was attended by over 450 professionals celebrating the industry’s top performers.
The awards identified the top businesses and professionals in the financial services industry across the nation, with 36 prestigious awards announced at the event.
The awards are open to all businesses operating in Australia supporting the industry, from the profession’s most senior ranks through to its rising stars, from start-ups to established to transformed businesses.
See award finalists and winners here.
It was a standout evening for Skye Wealth, with Kathleen Dean winning Risk Adviser of the Year and Aimee Cowling receiving the Newcomer of the Year award.
Hewison Private Wealth also celebrated major achievements, securing Self-Licensed Firm of the Year and seeing Chris Marcom honoured as SMSF Adviser of the Year.
The big award of the night went to Evalesco Financial Services who was named as the ifa Excellence Award Company of the Year, recognizing their outstanding innovation, customer-centric approach, and exemplary leadership in the financial advice industry.
Evalesco Financial Services is one of Sydney’s most trusted and passionate financial advice teams, dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses in the community. With a mix of youthful energy, substantial experience, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping people reach their financial goals, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Another big award from the night, the ifa Excellence Award individual winner went to Alexander Kitchin from Wealth Connexion.
The judging criteria for award categories are both quantitative and qualitative, acknowledging growth, business development, diversity, leadership, innovation, business excellence and contribution to Australia’s financial advice sector. The panel included academics, business executives, entrepreneurs and innovators.
See full list of winners below:
Individual:
Client Outcome of the Year – Bill Savellis, Olive Grove Financial Advice
Client Services Co-ordinator of the Year – Leah Bonacci, Thriving Wealth
Dealer Group Executive of the Year – Darren Steinhardt, Infocus
ESG Adviser of the Year – Joel Carty, Solace Financial
Holistic Adviser of the Year – NSW – Ashley Tilston, Spectrum Wealth Partners
Holistic Adviser of the Year – QLD – Joshua Dalton, Dalton Financial Partners
Holistic Adviser of the Year – VIC – Alexander Rankin, Artisan Wealth
Holistic Adviser of the Year – ACT, SA, TAS, WA – Karen Haarhoff, Boutique Advisers Private Wealth
Innovator of the Year – Individual – Sheshan Wickramage , Wick Financial
Investment Adviser of the Year – Charlie Viola, Viola Private Wealth
Network Impact Adviser of the Year – Robert Rich, Unite Wealth
Newcomer of the Year – Aimee Cowling, Skye Wealth
Paraplanner of the Year – Lauren Hughson, Wealtheon
Practice Principal of the Year – Alexander Kitchin, Wealth Connexion
Regional Adviser of the Year – Christine Lusher, Lush Wealth
Risk Adviser of the Year – Kathleen Dean, Skye Wealth
SMSF Adviser of the Year – Chris Morcom, Hewison Private Wealth
Thought Leader of the Year – Nathan Fradley, Fradley Advice
Transformation of the Year – Individual – Lucy Atkinson, Verse Wealth
Young Adviser of the Year (30 years or under) – Stephanie Hortis, 360 Financial Strategists
Holistic Adviser of the Year – Ashley Tilston, Spectrum Wealth Partners
Ifa Excellence Award – Individual – Alexander Kitchin, Wealth Connexion
Company:
Best Financial Advice Employer of the Year – BlueRock
Business Outcome Leader of the Year – Collins SBA
Client Servicing Company of the Year – ActOn Wealth
Dealer Group of the Year – Finchley & Kent
Digital Advice Strategy of the Year – Quay Wealth Management
Financial Impact Team of the Year – Pivot Wealth
Holistic Advice Firm of the Year – Evalesco Financial Services
Innovator of the Year – Company – SuperMate
Marketing Program of the Year – Link Wealth
Self-Licensed Firm of the Year – Hewison Private Wealth
Training and Education Partner of the Year – Central Queensland University
Transformation of the Year – Company – CDM Solutions
Wellness Program/Initiative of the Year – Find Group
Ifa Excellence Award – Company – Evalesco Financial Services
For more details on the awards and judging criteria click here.
