Meet the FAAA Inspire Women – Excellence in Advice Finalists: Morgan Hayward

Get to know ... 

Morgan Hayward

Share your story – what inspired you to become a financial adviser? 

My inspiration to become a financial adviser comes from witnessing financial destruction firsthand. Growing up, money was a source of constant stress and instability. I saw how it could tear at people’s confidence and relationships. That experience became my driving force, to break the cycle of financial chaos I grew up around.

Just after completing my science degree, I attended a property seminar where an investor drew financial concepts on a whiteboard. I was captivated, we’re never taught these things at school, yet they shape every part of our lives. That moment changed my path entirely. I realised I could combine my love for numbers with helping people achieve financial clarity and stability.

Today, I help clients navigate life’s biggest transitions with confidence and calm. My purpose is to give others what I once needed most: control, understanding and peace of mind around money.

Explain your ongoing Professional Development Plan and career aspirations

My professional development plan is centred on continuous growth — both technically and personally, to ensure I continue delivering the best outcomes for clients and contributing meaningfully to the profession. I prioritise education that deepens my expertise in behavioural finance, strategy, communication and taxation, as these areas directly enhance the quality of client advice and relationships.

I am currently completing a Collaborative Divorce course, furthering my ability to support clients through complex separation and financial transition matters with empathy and structure. I also continue to develop my tax knowledge to strengthen the advice I provide to business clients and ensure strategies remain both effective and compliant.

Looking ahead, I aim to expand my contribution to the profession through mentoring, advocacy and education, helping shape an industry that empowers advisers to thrive while delivering advice that genuinely improves people’s lives. I’m also working towards my CFP designation and continue to focus my CPD on behavioural finance, divorce planning, taxation and communication, areas that consistently deliver meaningful outcomes for clients.

What career achievements are you most proud of?

Launching Lume Wealth is one of my proudest achievements. It allows me to deliver advice aligned with my values — collaborative, transparent and compassionate — where clients truly feel supported and understood.

But more importantly, it is the community I’ve helped nurture within the profession. Through my three FAAA committee roles, mentoring Griffith University students, pro bono work and The Forgotten Women charity, I’m contributing to an industry that uplifts its people and supports those most in need. Giving back is my way of paying forward the support that kept me in this profession when I almost walked away.

What are you doing to encourage more women to become financial advisers?

I want women to see that they can thrive in this profession without compromising who they are. I actively mentor students and emerging advisers, encouraging open conversations about career development, confidence and balance.

Through my roles with the FAAA, I help create opportunities for women to connect, learn and see what’s possible, whether through professional events, mentorship programs, or university engagement. We’ve opened many events to include support staff because I believe some of the next great advisers are already working behind the scenes, they just need encouragement and access.

I also focus on empowering female clients, particularly those facing divorce or loss, helping them take control of their finances and rebuild their independence. When women feel confident in managing money, it changes not just their circumstances, it changes their futures.