David Haintz awarded planner of the year

David Haintz, Melbourne-based financial planner and managing director of Haintz Financial Services, has been named this year’s winner of the Money Management Financial Planner of the Year Award.

Runner-up for the last two years, Haintz beat finalists Jo Tuck and Julian Battistella to take home the prize.

The marathon runner and fellow of the Financial Planning Association has been an adviser for 17 years. His practice, launched in 1998, employs 13 people and has increased funds under advice from $61 million to $205 million in the last 12 months. Haintz Financial Services operates under its own licence.

Haintz said: “Making a difference to peoples lives through what we do is what keeps me going. There’s no question about that.”

This year, the National Group invited Haintz to attend a roadshow in the United Kingdom, presenting to advisers in all major cities. Haintz said: “I was well-prepared as my brief was what I know and practise on a daily basis — the value of advice. It was about becoming a fee-based business, based on advice and strategy, not a fee or commission for product placement.”

Haintz has also been actively involved with the Financial Planning Association (FPA), acting as a member of the disciplinary committee and professional ethics and standards committee.

He is also a member of MLC’s Platform Advisory Board, and is currently participating in their roadshows discussing the ‘manage the manager’ process.

Now in its 16th year, the Financial Planner of the Year Award recognises financial planners in the areas of career achievement, input to the profession and contribution to the community.

This year for the first time, entrants were also required to answer a questionnaire, which examined quality of advice, service levels, continuing education and external accountability.

As winner of the award, Haintz will receive a trip to the US FPA conference next year.