The appointments of Eima Alkheder and Ben Donald, bring extensive experience from across the financial services and advice industries.

Ms Alkheder previously served as an Executive Director and Head of Operations, overseeing operations across highly regulated environments including superannuation, insurance and pensions. Mr Donald is a Life Insurance Specialist at Life Advice Partners, with active industry involvement through insurer advisory boards, and the FAAA Life Insurance Committee.

Their appointments support PFAN’s continued focus on strengthening partnerships, expanding adviser participation and delivering high‑quality pro bono advice to Australians in need.

According to PFAN’s Chair Nicola Beswick, since its inception in 2014, participation from advisers, practices and partners has become more coordinated.

“Firms are embedding pro bono advice into their culture as part of professional advice, not as an exception to it. This has changed what’s possible for PFAN in terms of our outlook for growth and the people we support. Eima and Ben both bring hands-on experience across operations, insurance and advice, which will help us keep building momentum and reach more people.”

Today, PFAN works with more than 170 financial advisers, delivering over 850 hours of pro bono financial advice. Since it was established, PFAN has connected Australians living with serious illness or disability to qualified financial advisers willing to provide pro bono advice.

Working closely with referral partners such as the Multiple Sclerosis and MND networks across Australia, PFAN matches individuals in financial hardship with locally based advisers who can support them through complex financial decisions. These initiatives have been supported by PFAN’s corporate partners over several years, reflecting the collective focus on delivering financial advice to more Australians.

Parachute Cover Founder and PFAN Adviser, Natalie Lackner said her involvement with the network allows her to support people she wouldn’t typically encounter in her day-to-day work.

“It creates a pathway for advisers to use their expertise where it can have the greatest impact, helping people navigate complex financial decisions at an incredibly difficult time.”

The new appointments join existing Board members Nicola Beswick, Natalie Kleibert, Stephen Knight, Anne McDonnell, Niall McConville, Paul Harding‑Davis and Aleks Vickovich.

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Alisdair Barr

HUB24 has announced they will expand their relationship with Striver, a leading HR technology platform, to provide more educational resources to support the next generation of financial advisers. While the number of advisers in the industry has started to stabilise, more is needed to meet the growing demand for advice.[1]

Since 2022, HUB24 has been providing Striver’s tribe of students and graduates with access to education on managed portfolios. Going forward students will now be provided access to HUB24’s Managed Portfolio Academy, which provides a comprehensive understanding of managed portfolios and how they can help advisers enhance their value proposition, provide tangible benefits for clients and grow their business.

HUB24 will also be showcasing how emerging tech like AI and machine learning can deliver better outcomes for advisers and their clients, enabling cost-effective financial advice.

HUB24 Head of Group Marketing & Communications Anne McDonnell said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our support of Striver, providing education to the next generation of financial advisers and empowering better financial futures together.

“As the demand for access to quality financial advice continues to rise, ensuring a strong pipeline of new financial advisers into the industry is an important factor in meeting this demand and creating a sustainable advice profession.”

As part of the partnership, HUB24 Chief Product & Innovation Officer Craig Apps will be delivering a keynote address to Deakin University students on the rise of AI within the advice industry.

“Innovation, machine learning and AI is playing a significant role in the future of advice. By leveraging technology and data solutions, we can help solve some of the key challenges advisers and clients are facing and pave the way forward for our industry.”

Founder and CEO of Striver Alisdair Barr said: “We’re excited to gain the continued support of HUB24 who provide the Striver community with market-leading insights and resource materials.

“From showcasing education materials on managed portfolios, to sharing their innovations in financial services through AI and machine learning, all designed to achieve better outcomes for current and future advisers and their clients.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with HUB24, supporting the sustainable growth of the profession and our mission of creating fulfilling careers.”

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Notes:
[1] https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/the-wealth-adviser-exodus-has-bottomed-out-for-now-20230414-p5d0fj

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HUB24 has tripled in size over the last 2 years and is well positioned to continue its growth and the development of the company’s market leading platform. This milestone has been achieved through the ongoing support from advisers, clients, shareholders and staff.

HUB24 Managing Director Andrew Alcock said: “Reaching $5bn in FUA is a significant achievement for both HUB24 and for our industry. It’s an accolade for choice, innovation, value and great technology. These factors as well as client demand for heightened control, flexibility and transparency are representative of the ongoing transformation of wealth management for all stakeholders.”

The company’s growth has been underpinned by a strong team who are focussed on delivering better outcomes for advisers, their clients, licensees, fund managers, stockbrokers and shareholders. This solid growth is expected to continue and accordingly HUB24 is announcing the recent senior appointments of George Deva as Head of Product Strategy, Anne McDonnell as Head of Marketing, Damon Fenner as Group Financial Controller, and Jerome Swindon as Senior BDM in Victoria.
George Deva will focus will on building and expanding the platform product suite and increase HUB24’s focus on the stockbroking and private wealth management markets. Prior to joining HUB24 Mr Deva served as Ord Minnett’s Head of Platform, Product and Sales. He has also held management posts with State Street and has over 20 years’ experience in financial services.

Anne McDonnell has joined HUB24 to lead their brand and marketing strategy. Anne has over 15 years financial services experience having worked previously at BT Financial Group as Senior Manager, Platforms Marketing and prior to that with J.P.Morgan Investment Bank in product development and sales roles in their London and Sydney offices.

Damon Fenner will work closely with CFO and Company Secretary Matt Haes to support high profile business partnerships. Mr Fenner has over 15 years’ finance and accounting experience, working for Commonwealth Bank and interdealer broker ICAP, among others.

Jerome Swindon joins HUB24 from technology providerPraemium, where he spent over four years as a BDM servicing VIC, SA & WA, as well as time working with National Key Accounts. Prior to that, he worked for BlackRock where he had account management responsibility for BlackRock’s retail client business, promoting the business SMAs. He has over 17 years’ experience in financial services.

“The appointments of George, Anne, Damon and Jerome will be instrumental in ensuring we keep evolving and responding to the demands of the industry. We are very focused on ensuring we have the best talent in our business to maximise additional growth opportunities,” Mr Alcock added.

Recent awards have added recognition to HUB24’s trajectory of innovation in financial services. These include the 2017 Super Ratings Fast Mover award for HUB24’s superannuation fund, and the 2016 InvestmentTrendsawards for Best Industry Platform for Managed Accounts Functionality, Best Tablet/Smartphone Access, and Best Navigation and User Interface.

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