Introducing the Global Distinguished Awards (GDA by APFinSA)

A New Name. A Broader Vision. A Global Stage.
The Asia Pacific Financial Services Awards (APFinSA Awards) proudly enter a new era.

The APFinSA Awards will be known as the Global Distinguished Awards (GDA by APFinSA).

This transformation reflects our evolution from a regional recognition platform into a globally respected hallmark of professional excellence, leadership, and impact within the financial services industry.

Why the Change?

Over the years, the APFinSA Awards have gained strong recognition across Asia Pacific for celebrating outstanding advisors, leaders, and institutions who exemplify professionalism, ethics, innovation, and service excellence.

As the reach, influence, and aspirations of Asia Pacific Financial Services Association continue to grow, the Awards must evolve accordingly.

The Global Distinguished Awards (GDA by APFinSA) represent:

• A broader global outlook beyond geographical boundaries
• A higher level of distinction and prestige
• Greater inclusivity for international participation and recognition
• A future-ready platform aligned with the changing global financial services landscape

What the Global Distinguished Awards Represent

The GDA by APFinSA are not merely awards — they are a symbol of trust, credibility, and global excellence.

They honour individuals and organisations who:

• Demonstrate exceptional professional achievement
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity
• Drive innovation, leadership, and positive industry impact
• Contribute meaningfully to the development of the financial services profession

Each awardee stands as a role model and benchmark for excellence within the industry.

Continuity with Enhanced Global Standing

While the name has evolved, the core values, principles, and credibility of the Awards remain firmly rooted in APFinSA’s long-standing mission.

What remains unchanged:

• Rigorous evaluation and governance standards
• Strong collaboration with member associations
• Commitment to professional excellence and integrity

What is elevated:

• Global positioning and recognition
• Brand strength and international appeal
• Opportunities for cross-border collaboration and visibility

Looking Ahead

The launch of the Global Distinguished Awards (GDA by APFinSA) marks an exciting milestone in APFinSA’s journey.

It signals:

• A bold step towards global relevance
• A platform that connects excellence across borders
• A renewed commitment to shaping the future of financial services leadership

We invite professionals, organisations, and partners worldwide to join us in celebrating excellence — not just regionally, but globally.

Global Distinguished Awards (GDA by APFinSA)
Recognising Excellence. Inspiring Leadership. Shaping the Future.

The GDA Awards showcase prestigious awards in the life insurance industry for top producers to be endorsed and recognized, not only in their respective countries but in the entire Asia Pacific region. Since its inaugural GDA Awards in 2020, Asia Pacific Financial Services Association has recognized and celebrated the success of more than 13,000 winners across the Asia Pacific region.

We are now into the qualification period for the exciting Asia Pacific Financial Services Awards 2026. The 7th GDA Awards 2026 is set to welcome all outstanding financial practitioners from Asia Pacific countries.

My Favourite Advisor (MFA) – Be the top most favourite advisor in Asia Pacific!

GDA Awards 2026! Enroll today! Be among the best of the top financial advisor in whole of Asia Pacific!

The Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA) is the largest financial services council in Asia Pacific, represented by nine member associations from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Established in 1991, APFinSA serves as the pre-eminent cross-border association to address the critical needs and opportunities of the financial advisory profession in the region. APFinSAis also the organizer of the biennial Asia Pacific Life Insurance Congress (APLIC).

1. Verifying Production Credits
First year premium production must be verified and endorsed by the financial organization you represent and also by the local association which must be a member of GDA.

2. Application Forms
The Application Form will be available on GDA website (www.apfinsa.org) from 20 December 2025. The application form must be properly filled, duly signed and sent to respective local national association who is a member of GDA. Closing date of submission is 31 March 2026.

GDA Awards 2026 Qualification for Membership (Premiums based on 2025 production)

1. Professional Association Membership Requirement
Applicants for GDA Award must be a member of the local association who is a member of GDA

2. Registration Fee (for the year 2026)
Registration fee is SGD 288 for GDA Award and Excellence Award, and SGD 388 for the other awards, which should be paid directly to GDA Member Association via telegraphic or wire transfer on or before 15 March 2026. Delayed payment will be accepted up to the last day of March 2026 with an additional admin fee of SGD 30. The fee is inclusive of the Award/Certificate and a recognition ceremony.

3. Fee for Hall of Fame Members
Hall of Fame awardees will pay a reduced annual fee of SGD 188 every year to maintain their status (ie. it is SGD 100 lower than normal fees).

1. Good Standing
A licensed financial practitioner should not engage or commit unprofessional practices such as twisting, knocking, forgery, concealment, misappropriation of premiums, misrepresentation, delay in premium remittances, or any violation of the Code of Ethics of their company and their governing Insurance Regulator.

2. First Year Premium Credits (FYPC)
For the purpose of GDA Awards qualifiers, First Year Premium Credits refers to the Eligible Premium Credits found under Eligible Products and Credits.

3. 13TH Month Persistency Rate of 80%
In addition to meeting first year premium requirement, you must also attain a minimum of 80% persistency and be of good standing during the qualifying period.

1. Who is APFinSA?
The Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA) is the largest financial services council in Asia Pacific, represented by nine member associations from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Established in 1991, APFinSA serves as the cross-border association to address the critical needs and opportunities of the financial advisory profession in the region.

2. What is the GDA Awards?
The GDA Awards recognizes licensed financial practitioners in the region for their achievements. The Asia-Pacific region is constantly showing signs of growing affluence, it is therefore time for us to have our very own awards.

3. Can the Agency Leader’s Personal productions be used for the Agency Leader Award?
An Agency Leader’s main role is to recruit, train and develop agents. An Agency Leader may apply for the APFinSA Award using his/her own personal production. However, his qualification will not be counted for the Agency Leader’s category.

4. Are there any other requirements for award applicants?
All awardees must be members of the respective National Associations who are members of APFinSA. To be eligible to apply, the management or representative of the life insurance company must endorse the application form and there should not be any unethical conduct, otherwise APFinSA reserves the right to disqualify the application.

5. How is the policy persistency rate measured?
In general, life insurance companies generate a report of their own life practitioners’ persistency rate at the end of the year or on 31 December. It will be a 13-month persistency rate (meaning life insurance premium has been collected for at least 13 months from the first day of the policy date).

6. How to measure the life insurance premium and the credit equivalent to qualify the award?
Life insurance plans with premium term of 5 years and above, 100% of the premium is counted. Policies with premiums term of 4 years and below, 10% multiply by premium term (eg. 3 years premium term. 10% x 3 years = 30%). All unit-linked policy will be counted the same as like a typical whole life policy.

7. If a Financial Practitioner earns fees from other financial institutions, how will this be counted as credit?
The fee is counted equal to the annual insurance premium. But there must be endorsement from the company or financial institution that pays the fee. A letter must be enclosed to confirm the fee payment.

8. What documents will be used to apply for these qualifications?
The respective National Associations will request a list of those who are already eligible for awards from the Insurers. You may also download an Application Form from APFinSA website, fill it up accordingly, and have it endorsed by your company’s official.

9. To whom may I submit my application?
You may submit your application via your respective National Association who is a member of APFinSA. If you belong to a country who is not an GDA Member, you may submit your application directly to GDA. Further information such as Membership Fees and Qualifications can be found on our website, www.apfinsa.org.

10. Why should I apply through the local National Association?
The local National Association is the voice of Financial Practitioners and also serves as the liaison with GDA.

11. What are the benefits for the awardees?
Every Awardee will be given a Plaque and a Certificate of Award and be invited to attend the awards presentation event where there will be a guest speaker (likely to be in English) with refreshments. As much as possible, we will endeavor to present all the awards on stage.

12. Do you have a Hall of Fame qualification? (Life membership)
Anyone who qualified for a total of 8 times (need not to be consecutive) will be admitted as a Hall of Fame member and will enjoy special membership rate.

Join the ultimate MFA Contest – My Favourite Adviser!

The MFA is organized to honor GDA Awardee who is the most popular among his/her peers and clients.

• All GDA Awardees are automatically qualified for My Favourite Adviser (MFA) Contest.
• There must be a minimum of 50 qualified GDA Awardees registered from each country/region in order to be eligible to enter the MFA Contest.
• Awardees will share the voting link to their clients, relatives and friends to encourage them to vote online.
• The top 10 MFAs from each country/region will be eligible to qualify for the Top My Favourite Adviser in Asia Pacific contest.

Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA)
Website: www.apfinsa.org
Email: awards@apfinsa.org

Reach out to your local association to find out more about GDA Awards 2026. Should an APFinSA member association not be available in your country, you can contact APFinSA at awards@apfinsa.org for further details.