The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has announced Raquel Netto of The Wealth Mentoring Group as the Semester 1, 2019 winner of the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award.
The award, named after “the first lady of financial planning”, recognised the highest performing student in the first semester of the certified financial planner (CFP) Certification Program with “demonstrable dedication to providing high quality financial advice”.
Netto had worked in the financial services industry for over 14 years in an advice and client relationship capacity.
She said earning the CFP designation was important because it demonstrated her commitment to ongoing education and upholding the highest ethical standards.
“It’s an honour to receive the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award in recognition of the study and effort I’ve put in to complete the CFP Certification Program,” Netto said.
“The CFP Certification Program is challenging and I am confident the experience has elevated my skills and knowledge as a financial planner and adviser.
“As financial advisers, we are privileged to hold a position of trust and mutual respect with our clients. We can have a meaningful positive impact in our client’s lives by listening to and engaging with them, mentoring them and ultimately, helping them achieve their financial goals.”
Currently, 27 per cent of FPA members are women, up from 26 per cent last year, which compared favourably with the industry average of 20 per cent.
“Receiving an award in Gwen Fletcher’s name is particularly special because she was a champion for the role of women in the financial services profession,” Netto said.
“I am hopeful that my work with my clients and within our profession will honour her memory and may even encourage more women to become financial planners.”
