Your IndustryOct 13 2022

CISI names this year's financial planning award winners

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CISI names this year's financial planning award winners
Berry & Oak collected the CISI award for accredited financial planning firm of the year

The professional body for certified financial planners presented the awards at a gala dinner in Liverpool last week (October 7) where CISI’s annual financial planning conference was being held. 

David Hearne (centre) winner of the certified financial planner of the year award

Maidenhead-based David Hearne took home the top award of certified financial planner professional of the year, with the judges admiring his “client centric approach”.

The judges also noted that having become a CFP professional over a decade ago, Hearne “continued the give back” by promoting “not only the profession and the value of financial planning but in particular the CFP certification.”

Hearne, who specialises in retirement planning, said it was a pleasure to be nominated “among those so dedicated to improving the financial planning profession”.

Posting on LinkedIn, Hearne went on to say: “None of us win awards alone, but the list of people who have inspired or helped me in some way over the last 10 years is just too long to list. But thank you to each of you.”

“Financial Planning is a wonderfully supportive profession, so I hope I can encourage the next generation as much as others have encouraged me,” he added. 

Other winners on the night included Paradigm Norton’s Kate Morris, who was named paraplanner of the year. 

Morris took to LinkedIn to thank her colleagues for their support and added, “it really does mean so much to me”.

Kate Morris (right), winner of the paraplanner of the year award

Announcing her win, the judges said Morris demonstrated “great passion for the paraplanning role and the added value that the profession can offer to clients with a wide range of needs and complex combination of needs”.

They also noted how she showed an “admirable depth of knowledge, particularly around later life planning” and had a “flair for communication” and was easily able to justify the decisions made in her submitted financial plan. 

CISI assistant director, Sally Plant offered her congratulations to all the winners and to everyone who entered the awards. 

Plant said: “Your achievements will inspire those who might be considering entering these awards next year, showcasing your dedication as financial planning professionals, providing life changing guidance to consumers.”

Financial planning future leader, James Beck (right)

Elsewhere at the awards, advice firm Berry & Oak was awarded accredited financial planning firm of the year while Fiscal Engineers’ James Beck was named financial planning future leader.

The judges noted that Berry & Oak “distinguish themselves because of their tremendous commitment to the profession, working consistently as they do to attract new clients and new talent to financial planning.”

Commenting on Beck’s win, the judges said he stood out during the interview process as someone “firmly focused on the future” and that he understood what he could do now to effect positive change in years to come.

They also highlighted Beck’s initiative to support the profession by developing young planners and for his work on shaping financial literacy offerings. 

Keith Butten, winner of the Tony Sellon "Good Egg" award

The Tony Sellon “Good Egg” award was presented to Keith Butten, director of Boosst Financial Planning. 

Butten took home the award for his passionate support of charitable causes. 

The judges noted that Butten’s “generosity of spirit and dedication to the profession” really stood out to his peers. 

jane.matthews@ft.com