Mel Jones

Early bird pricing for this year’s Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress will finish on 30 September. The Congress, being held in Perth from 18 to 20 November, will have the theme ‘Ahead of the Curve’ reflecting the FAAA’s focus on helping advisers lead, adapt, and thrive in a fast-evolving professional landscape.

Currently FAAA member tickets are $1,210 and non-member tickets are $2,345. Once early bird registration closes full price member tickets are $1,525 and non-member tickets are $2,660.

The FAAA has also added to the speaker line-up, with former Australian cricketer, Mel Jones, who was part of the winning team at the 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup, and in the Women’s Ashes series win in 2003, attending the Congress.

Mel Jones joins the closing session featuring cricket legend Adam Gilchrist. Considered by many as the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman in history, the former Australian vice-captain will talk about the highlights of his cricketing career, how he managed his career transition to commentary and will provide details of his global philanthropic work, and what it means to him.

FAAA general manager membership, Tania Milnes, says Congress is the highlight of the FAAA’s calendar, and a culmination of the year, with a comprehensive agenda and workshops, specialist sessions and keynote speakers curated to inform and educate members and those interested in financial advice.

“The early bird pricing represents a significant saving, and I urge those who plan to attend to purchase their tickets before September 30,” she says.

“The session “Minister & CEO: In Conversation” on the morning of Wednesday 19 November, with FAAA CEO Sarah Abood moderating a Q&A session, will be particularly relevant given the current environment,” Ms Milnes says.

“We look forward to hearing from the Minister about how the government is addressing the many current issues facing financial advisers.”

Education aside, Ms Milnes says Congress always provides excellent opportunities to network and be entertained, and this year will be no exception.

“There are a range of events for attendees to take advantage of, including the CFP® Professional Connect Breakfast on Tuesday November 18, the FAAA Community Breakfast on Wednesday November 19 (which will spotlight the Inspire and Gen Next Communities), as well as the FAAA Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday November 19 celebrating excellence in the profession.”

For more details and to register for the FAAA Congress.

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Adam Gilchrist

The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has announced its speaker line-up for this year’s Congress, boasting cricketing legends, a journalist and broadcaster, a behavioural psychologist, and AI change and compliance specialists, to bring advisers three high-impact days of learning, innovation, and connection.

Now in its third year, the Congress will be held under the theme ‘Ahead of the Curve’, reflecting the FAAA’s focus on helping advisers lead, adapt, and thrive in a fast-evolving professional landscape.

The Congress will also feature the FAAA Awards Gala Dinner on 19 November, celebrating members who demonstrate the highest standards of trusted, professional advice.

FAAA CEO Sarah Abood said the 2025 program is designed to challenge and inspire advisers to stay ahead of change.

“Congress 2025 has been designed with our members front and centre. It will deliver practical tools and insights to help navigate today’s complex technical and regulatory landscape, while providing valuable opportunities for advisers to connect, collaborate, and learn from peers across the country and internationally,” Ms Abood said.

“With so much change across regulation, technology and client expectations, our goal is for every attendee to leave Congress energised, better equipped, and ready to implement fresh ideas in their practice.”

The Congress agenda will be structured around four key content streams over three days from 18-20 November, covering: Develop, Navigate, Strategise, and Expand.

The opening keynote, “The Future Human: Decoding minds, behaviours and what comes next”, will feature FAAA CEO Sarah Abood on the state of the profession and the leadership needed for the future, followed by renowned behavioural scientist Milo Wilkinson. Ms Wilkinson will explore how neuroscience and behavioural futurism can help advisers better understand how people think, decide and connect in a changing world.

Attendees will also hear directly from FAAA leaders in a panel session exploring policy, advocacy and regulatory change, and what it all means for the future of advice.

Strategist and change management expert Patrick Flynn, along with compliance consultant Nadia Docker, will lead a session focused on how client experience, compliance and operational efficiency can align to drive business performance.

The closing plenary, “Ahead of the Game: Cricket & financial planning – lessons from the legends”, will feature award-winning broadcaster Liam Bartlett in conversation with cricket greats Adam Gilchrist AO and Isa Guha. Together, they will explore the mindset and skills needed to lead, collaborate and pivot with purpose, on the pitch and in the practice.

“Cricket, like financial planning, is more than just technical skill,” said Ms Abood. “It’s about strategy, leadership, adaptability and resilience. Whether you’re a fan of the game or not, we want advisers to leave Congress feeling reflective, recharged, and ready to take their next steps with clarity and confidence.”

In addition to plenaries and technical sessions, the agenda will feature:

• Regulatory updates and reform insights
• Leadership and business strategy sessions
• Innovative approaches to client engagement
• Practical tools for streamlining compliance and advice delivery

Advisers can also take part in a range of exclusive events including:

• The Pre-Congress Soirée, featuring Kav Temperley from Eskimo Joe
• The CFP® Professional Connect Breakfast on Tuesday
• The FAAA Community Breakfast on Wednesday, spotlighting Inspire and Gen Next
• The FAAA Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday night

“Our theme ‘Ahead of the Curve’ reflects our commitment to keeping advisers one step ahead, with the strategies, tools and insights to grow their businesses, deliver better outcomes, and continue lifting the standards of advice,” added Ms Abood.

“As we navigate an increasingly complex environment, Congress offers the support, community and resources advisers need to thrive.”

Early Bird pricing is available until 30 September 2025, with FAAA member tickets at $1,210 and non-member tickets at $2,345.

For more details and to register, visit: https://events.faaa.au/2025-faaa-congress/

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Adam Gilchrist and Scott McWilliam

Leading non-bank mortgage lender Resimac has appointed Australian cricket icon, Adam Gilchrist, as its brand ambassador.

Mr Gilchrist has been engaged to help build Resimac’s profile and will feature in a range of Resimac marketing material. He will also represent Resimac at various broker, investor and staff events, including a national broker roadshow in March next year at which he will be the keynote speaker.

Mr Gilchrist has had an illustrious career in all forms of international cricket as an exciting wicketkeeper/batsman. Former captain of the Australian cricket team, Steve Waugh, has called him a “once in a generation player”.

CEO, Scott McWilliam, said Gilchrist was selected as a brand ambassador because he epitomised the values of the Resimac brand.

“It’s hard to think of anyone else who aligns so perfectly with our corporate values, particularly integrity and professionalism. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful association,” he said.

Mr Gilchrist said he was extremely excited to become a Resimac brand ambassador.

“When partnering with an organisation I look for credibility, the approach that the business takes to supporting its customers and how it conducts itself in the community.

“I was impressed by how committed Resimac is to enacting its corporate values in all areas of the business. Whether that is looking for ways to exceed customer expectations, providing a positive working environment for staff or supporting members of the community in need.

“There’s a culture of corporate responsibility that is growing and evolving every day and that is a vital part of Resimac’s plans for the future,” he said.

Mr Gilchrist played 96 test matches for Australia, scoring at 81 runs per 100 balls. He is an Allan Border medallist, Australian One-Day International Player of the Year winner and is a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Leading cricket website ESPN Cricinfo names Gilchrist in its greatest-of-all-time World IX team and describes him as the most exhilarating cricketer of the modern age.

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