Christine Swanson was one of the key driving forces behind the launch of the Association of Financial Advisers’ (AFA’s) Inspire initiative, which was created to connect and encourage women in financial planning to reach their full potential.
It was her passion and commitment to improving the perception of financial advice in the wider community which saw her win the award for Industry Advocacy as part of the Money Management/Super Review inaugural Women in Financial Services Awards.
Swanson, who started her career 26 years ago, is the director and senior financial adviser of Prominent Financial Services and is also involved in various pro bono and mentoring programs within the industry and community.
Michael Criddle, former general manager of Anderson Financial Planners, met Swanson 14 years ago when she was an up-and-coming financial planner.
Criddle said she impressed him as a meticulous problem solver.
“Unlike many people these days, whenever she adopts a cause or pursues a new interest she is guaranteed to be highly committed,” he said.
“Her successes have been achieved through her continuous desire to learn and grow. She is a creative problem-solver and a detail-oriented professional.”
Regional manager for South Australia and Northern Territory at Asgard Wealth Solutions, Adrian De Silva, had worked with Swanson and her financial planning business for over four years.
“Over this time I have found Christine to be very innovative in her thoughts, and her business acumen has also contributed to the continued growth of her business,” De Silva said.
“She has shown to me a clear understanding of the benefits of forward planning, with a strategic focus for growth over the short, medium, and long term. In particular her passion for open communication and people has been very strong and clearly demonstrated.”
Swanson is also involved in the AFA’s mentoring program and is currently working with a young female financial planner, taking on a new aspirant each year.
As an ambassador with Cancer Council SA, she coordinates the Glitz and Hammer annual fundraising event which has raised over $200,000.
Click here to find out more about the winners in the Women in Financial Services Awards.
