Jack Weiland, Jordan Bertucci and Ryan Auwardt have won AMP’s University Challenge for 2024.

The team from Deakin University was one of eight finalists taking part on the day. They beat over 70 students to claim the top prize and plaudits from the judges.

Now in its 14th year, AMP’s University Challenge is an annual financial planning competition for university students across the country.

Held in Melbourne, this year’s event provides a platform for identifying promising new talent and promoting high standards of education and professionalism among the next generation of advisers.

More than 6000 students from 21 universities across Australia have participated in the Challenge since it first began in 2011, with many going on to join the financial advice profession.

The AMP University Challenge is integrated into the curriculum and assessment for students studying financial planning majors at participating tertiary institutions including RMIT, Macquarie University and Deakin University.

Finalists were tested on their technical knowledge, undertook a mock advice interview with two clients and delivered a presentation on how advisers can position themselves to make the most of the intergenerational wealth transfer.

The finals were also a chance for the students to speak with senior advice professionals and financial planning academics and get advice on their studies and career opportunities.

Up to $6,000 prize money was on offer with the winning team taking home $3,000.

The judges for AMP’s University Challenge for 2024 were:

• Mathew Gale, General Manager and Director, Hanmoore Financial Solutions

• Marshall Ross, Partner Education Manager, MLC Life Insurance

• Phil Anderson, General Manager Policy, Advocacy and Standards, FAAA

The final placings for this year’s event were:

1st place: Jack Weiland, Jordan Bertucci and Ryan Auwardt (Deakin University)

2nd place: Muyeang Seng and Christian Mahon (Deakin University)

3rd place: John McMahon (TAFE NSW)

Matt Lawler, Group Executive, Advice at AMP said:

“I’d like to congratulate all the finalists at AMP’s University Challenge for 2024, together with our winners Jack, Jordan and Ryan from Deakin University.

“At AMP, we’re passionate about empowering the next generation of advisers as a core pillar in helping continue to instil confidence in the professionalism of financial advice.

“Our team continues to work hard to strengthen our relationships with our tertiary partners, helping provide scholarships to the next generation of students and aspiring financial planning professionals.

“Together with Entireti, we will take advantage of our combined scale and service capability to play our part in helping guide the next cohort of talented advisers, nurturing and forming new pathways for careers in this outstanding profession.”

Mathew Gale, General Manager and Director, Hanmoore Financial Solutions said:

“The AMP University Challenge is a valuable initiative for fostering the next generation of financial advisers. We believe it is important to support programs that inspire and motivate those taking the steps to become true qualified advisers focused on providing high quality financial advice and promoted among students.

“This competition, combined with the Professional Year, plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded, capable advisers who will contribute to the future of financial advice in Australia.”

Marshall Ross, Partner Education Manager, MLC Life Insurance said:

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to see the exceptional standard from the student finalists at the AMP University Challenge and the huge potential they have to contribute to the financial advice profession moving forward.

“While the judging decisions were in no doubt challenging, these awards provide well-deserved recognition and help grow the profile of a future career in financial advice.”

Phil Anderson, General Manager Policy, Advocacy and Standards, FAAA said:

“I was excited to be involved in the judging of AMP’s University Challenge again in 2024. This award is an excellent platform for highlighting and celebrating the outstanding students coming through the financial planning education system.

“This award shines a spotlight on the fantastic profession that financial advice is and the great opportunity it presents for those who are seeking to join a profession that delivers so much value to many Australians.

“We hope initiatives like this will help attract more young Australians into the profession over the coming years.”