Community-minded adviser scoops award

Peter Roan, regional NSW-based financial planner and an active contributor to his local community and the financial services industry, has been named Money Management’s 2008 Financial Planner of the Year.

Judges commended Roan, who has his own practice, Roan Financial, for his dedication to his clients and his passionate approach to financial planning.

“In all his client testimonials he turned around his client’s negative perception of financial planners, indicating his delivery and approach to the advice process is quality and, importantly, he educates his clients so they understand the advice, strategy and products selected,” Marianne Perkovic, one of this year’s judges, said.

Another member of the judging panel and last year’s winner, Julian Battistella, said Roan “clearly puts his clients’ needs first, which can be demonstrated by his focus on strategic solutions”.

First-time entrant Wayne Leggett followed closely behind Roan to be named runner up. The Perth-based financial planner was highly commended for his “client-centric approach” as well as his long-term contribution to the financial planning industry.

Judges were impressed by both advisers’ passion for delivering quality advice to their clients, their dedication to the industry, particularly through continuing education, and their involvement in initiatives that strive for best practice advice and increased standards of professionalism.

In particular, the judges noted Roan’s considerable voluntary service to both the financial services industry and his local community.

“[Roan’s contribution] helps raise his profile and also demonstrates his motivation to help and assist people,” Perkovic said. “[It] would be a great sense of achievement for him, his office and also wonderful for his clients to see him giving up so much time to assist youths and community members.”

As Money Management Financial Planner of the Year 2008, Roan will travel to the 2009 US Financial Planning Association’s annual conference in Anaheim, a prize valued at $10,000. He will be presented with his award at Money Management’s 2009 Fund Manager of the Year Awards.

For full details on the results of the Financial Planner of the Year Award see this week’s Money Management.