Broker gives $10K to students

While initially thinking the money would help fund a family holiday to Hawaii, Mr Wells said he and his fellow directors contemplated ways to put the money to good use and decided upon a scholarship-style arrangement with UWS. The money is to be split over numerous awards over a two-year period.

The first set of awards were presented on 10 August at the Parramatta Campus, as part of the Western Sydney University Donor Program, which recognises the hard work and academic achievements of the university’s highest achieving students.

Mr Wells’ awards went to students who excelled across economics, financial institutions and markets, applied finance and property. They were:

• Joshua Coleiro;
• Leonel Giovannini;
• Gavin Gammage;
• Jeremy Madden
• Emily Marshall; and
• Michael Woods

In addition to the awards, Mr Wells has offered the award recipients an opportunity to undertake work experience with his firm to get a deeper understanding of what broking is all about.

Mr Wells said he hoped to encourage more “young blood” into the industry and was “proud to be giving something back to some of our youngest and brightest”.

“Finance broking is a growing profession, with consumers increasingly recognising the value we bring, but fostering new recruits to drive the industry forward is important,” he said.

“I hope my involvement with the local university will encourage a new generation to join our industry’s ranks.”

Rob Ryan, head of northern region at leading aggregator FAST, congratulated Mr Wells on his generosity and commitment to the industry.

“Finance broking continues to go from strength to strength but new recruits are critical to the future success of the industry,” he said.

“It’s outstanding to see one of the industry’s finest contributing so generously to the community — and to the future of this profession.”

The remaining funds from Mr Wells’ prize will be awarded to students over the coming year.

[Related: ABA winner invests in next generation of brokers]