We, the editors of Registered Rep. magazine, are officially opening our annual hunt for the best in the business. That’s right, we’re asking for nominations for the 2007 Outstanding Advisor Awards (formerly the Outstanding Broker Awards). Now in its 27th year, the OAAs are awarded to 10 veteran financial advisors who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism. Entrants are judged on productivity (must be among the top 25 percent of their firm in gross production to be considered), but winners possess other qualities. We’re looking for FAs who are civic-minded (community charitable work is one example), and FAs who are known to be mentors at their firms or advisory practices.
Of course, there are a couple of other hard-and-fast rules. We look for a minimum of three years in the industry as a producing rep/RIA/IAR; a minimum of one year with the FA’s present firm; and a clean compliance record. (Please send along full names because all nominees’ U4s will be checked; if you know the candidate’s CRD number, include that in your submission, too.) Further, a nominee cannot be a previous OAA winner. Three references are necessary (provide phone numbers, please).
Write a short essay telling us why this person should be named an Outstanding Advisor. Describe what makes this person special as an advisor and as a poster boy for the industry. Be brief; a couple hundred words should suffice. Remember that the essay is an important part of the nomination. A description of the kind of practice the entrant has is a good start, but the editors also need examples of the FA’s nonbusiness activities and, perhaps, an anecdote or two that illustrates the person’s character. Your participation is very important. All applications are confidential.
In May, Rep. will be holding a gala awards ceremony at the Nasdaq Marketsite in Times Square. Attendees will be flown to New York at Registered Rep. magazine’s expense.
To enter a friend, colleague or boss (or even yourself): Go to registeredrep.com/oaa. Or email me directly, with the words Outstanding Advisor Awards in the subject line.