Provided by Mercer: 5/12/08
Mercer assistant financial adviser, Justin Pratt has been named Australia's Paraplanner of the Year for 2008.
Sabrina Li from Mercer’s Brisbane Adviser Team was also in the running for the national honour after being named Queensland Paraplanner of the Year. Mercer has now produced nine State award winners in the past five years, with national winners in 2005 (Kate Cramsie), 2007 (Martin Letch) and now again in 2008.
Mercer’s Financial Advice Leader Scott Walters says it’s a testament to the investment Mercer makes in people development.
“This outstanding record reinforces Mercer as a leading Australian employer of high quality professionals in our industry,” Mr Walters said.
“Mercer’s accomplishments in this competition are a direct result of Justin and Sabrina's dedication and skill, combined with Mercer’s long-term investment in talent management. a great indicator for clients about the quality of our services.”
The Paraplanner of the Year awards recognise the vital role and contribution made by paraplanners in the financial planning profession. They were created by prominent fund manager Australian Unity Investments in 2001 to help promote the value of financial planning and the quality of people joining the profession. Other major sponsors of the 2008 Award are the Financial Planning Association of Australia, Kaplan Professional, and Money Management magazine.
As national winner, Justin will now attend the Financial Planning Association's 2009 conference in California, USA in October 2009.
About Mercer’s Paraplanners of the Year
Justin Pratt has had an interest in the personal financial advice industry since studying commerce at University. He learnt early in his working life the difference between good and bad financial advice, and the impact of the state of a person’s finances on their overall wellbeing.
“I believe that money can't buy happiness; however, if your finances are under control you can focus on the really important things in life – family, friends and passions,” Mr Pratt said.
Sabrina Li began her career in the financial planning sector less than five years ago, after migrating from her home city of Harbin in north east China. With 11 years experience in finance and banking in China, she began a career in Brisbane in paraplanning and is fully committed to the job.
“There are a lot of challenges involved in meeting client’s expectations – so much so that when I get home from work I am still thinking of how I could improve on my strategy for them,” Ms Li said.
Honour roll – Mercer’s Paraplanner of the Year Award Winners:
2008 Sabrina Li, QLD winner
Justin Pratt, NSW winner and National winner
2007 Jessica Cruickshanks, QLD winner
Martin Letch, SA winner and National winner
2006 Sam Clark, VIC winner
Georgia Tucci, SA winner
2005 Kate Cramsie, NSW and National winner
Stephen Henshall, WA winner
2004 Derek Gascoigne, WA winner
More information
Danielle Murdolo
Media Consultant to Mercer - Buchan
Phone: (03) 9866 4722
Kyahn Timms
Media Consultant to Mercer - Buchan
Phone: (02) 9866 4722
This information has been prepared by Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 32 005 315 917 for general information only. The information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should not act on this information if you have not considered the appropriateness of this information to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. You should consult a licensed or appropriately authorised financial adviser before making any investment decision.
