It will be a component of a National Conference agenda that is placing an increased emphasis on delivering targeted sessions in the Advice, Practice and Regulatory stream.

SMSF Association Head of Technical, Mary Simmons, says: “The Association is acutely aware of the need to keep SMSF practitioners abreast of the latest regulatory developments and essential practices for compliance within the superannuation sector.

“We also acknowledge the considerable pressures the ever-changing SMSF landscape places on our members and their teams and the impact this can have on mental wellbeing. It’s not just about technical knowledge and compliance; we are equally committed to offering resources, tools and activities at this year’s National Conference to promote a healthy work-life balance.

“The sessions have been structured in such a way that they will encourage professionals to ‘level up’ by examining and enhancing their current practices. The sessions will provide indispensable tools and insights for participants to assess the health and efficiency of their processes, practices, and teams.

“On the AI front, Netwealth General Manager Marketing, Andrew Braun, will discuss ‘Navigating the future: How AI is transforming the advice industry’, in which he will offer insights into how AI is reshaping the wealth management industry and discuss ways about how firms can be at the forefront of this technological revolution.

“Navwealth CEO Craig Banning, in his topic titled ‘Shaping tomorrow’s adviser: Disruption, AI and generational shifts’, will explain to delegates how they can integrate AI into their practices and address the need for advice practice models to evolve in response to new client expectations and generational changes.”

Simmons says staffing issues are always a hot topic for professional services firms, so Striver Founder & CEO Alistair Barr’s topic, “Talent triumph: How to attract, cultivate and retain top staff”, should attract plenty of interest as he explores strategies to leverage unique firm strengths to attract high calibre talent, tailor development programs, and promote a team culture that embraces inclusivity.

“Tangelo Advice Consulting Directors & Principal Consultants, Selin Ertac and Conrad Travers , will offer delegates a practical ‘Health Check’ for their firms aimed at identifying improvements to compliance, client satisfaction, risk management, and governance to boost business and align with top professional and ethical standards.

“We have also put cybersecurity on the agenda with The Cyber Collective Founder Fraser Jack examining the critical elements of cybersecurity and how to meet the expectations of regulators, clients, and the professional community while protecting sensitive client information.”

There has been overwhelming interest due to the success of workshops at previous National Conferences and the stellar program announced for 2024. Bookings for these sessions are open, so delegates are encouraged to secure a spot early.

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‘ASIC has extensive engagement with participants in the financial advice sector as well as financial advice industry bodies and consumer organisations. We saw benefit in extending our interaction with this sector through the establishment of a committee made up of practising advisers,’ said ASIC Deputy Chairman Peter Kell.

The Financial Advisers Consultative Committee (FACC) will supplement ASIC’s existing engagement with the financial advice industry by:

• contributing to our understanding  of issues in the financial advice industry, including those directly impacting on practising advisers;
• improving ASIC’s  capacity to identify, assess and respond to emerging trends in the financial advice industry.

The members of the FACC are practising financial advisers with a range of skills drawn from the following areas:

• investment;
• insurance;
• superannuation;
• self-managed superannuation funds; and
• digital financial advice.

The FACC will provide ASIC with views on a broad range of issues relating to the financial advice industry.

FACC Members

The initial members of the FACC are: Craig Banning, Jennifer Brown, Chris Brycki, Steven Dobson, Mark Everingham, Tony Gillett, Adam Goldstien, Cathryn Gross, Suzanne Haddan and Kevin Smith.

Deputy Chairman Peter Kell said, ‘The establishment of this committee is part of ASIC’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its engagement with its stakeholders.’

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Craig Banning

Individual advisers and practices across the Hillross, AMP Financial Planning and Charter Financial Planning network have received top awards to recognise their high levels of professionalism, operational excellence, superior client service and quality advice as part of an annual awards program.

Hillross and AMP Financial Planning Managing Director, Michael Guggenheimer, and Charter Financial Planning Managing Director, Tim Mitchell-Adams, praised the achievements of the award recipients.

“We know the real difference financial advisers can make in helping people plan for a more secure future. These awards acknowledge advisers and businesses which are leading the way in helping customers achieve their financial goals through quality advice,” said Mr Guggenheimer.

AMP Financial Planning, Hillross and Charter advisers can nominate colleagues or self-nominate for the awards, with submissions assessed by a panel of industry experts.

Clients of the finalists for AMP Financial Planning and Hillross were also surveyed by an independent research specialist, Beddoes Institute, to assess client satisfaction as part of the judging process.

AMP Financial Planning

Navwealth Financial Group located in St Leonards, NSW won Practice of the Year for demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, operational excellence and client service. Led by Craig Banning, Navwealth was also a finalist for the AFA Practice of the Year award category in 2016.

“The team at Navwealth are really focussed and passionate about helping their clients reach their goals on purpose, and not by accident. The practice is an outstanding example within the profession,” Mr Guggenheimer said.

AMP Financial Planning also recognised the following advisers for their contribution to advice and the community:

• Adviser of the Year – Esther Althaus, Perspective Financial Solutions, South Yarra, VIC
• New Adviser of the Year – Scott Miller, First Class Wealth, Sydney CBD, NSW
• New Practice of the Year – First Class Wealth, Sydney CBD, NSW
• Value of Advice – Amanda Pond, Puddle to Pond Financial, Nowra, NSW

Hillross

Coral Coast Financial Planning located in Cairns, QLD won both the Advisory Firm of the Year award and the Financial Freedom achievement award, recognising the practice’s ongoing delivery of high quality advice and leading client service.

Led by Craig Armstrong, the firm prides itself on its long-term financial relationships.

“The practice’s long-standing client relationships is testimony to the high-quality financial planning advice and service it provides,” Mr Guggenheimer said.

Hillross also recognised the following advisers for their contribution to advice and the community:

• Financial Adviser of the Year – Gary Dean, Prosperity Wealth Advisers, World Square, NSW
• New Adviser of the Year – Jay Murphy, Arrive Wealth Management, Brisbane, QLD
• Professional Excellence – Simon Everett, Elysian Wealth Services, West Perth, WA
• Service to the Community – Definitive Financial Services, Tony Greenham, Subiaco, WA

Charter Financial Planning

Charter advisers Ray Albright (NSW-ACT), David Dyson (VIC-TAS), Christopher Manthey (QLD), Alex Brown (SA-NT) and Gary Addison (WA) received the 2016 State Advisers of the Year awards for their outstanding work and contributions to Charter.

The 2016 Charter National New Adviser of the Year award winner was Andrew Thomas from Crest Financial Services located in Cook Hill, NSW.

The 2016 National Value of Advice award winner is Ben Law from Exceed Financial located in Kangaroo Point, QLD.

The prestigious Gerald Lippman Perpetual Trophy for 2016 was awarded to Andrew Harris of Minerds Bell Consultancy Group located in Kingswood, SA. The Gerald Lippman Perpetual Trophy is awarded each year to the adviser that is judged to have made the greatest contribution to the progress of Charter during the past 12 months in areas such as professional and business development, industry involvement, community activity, marketing and promotion.

“‘My favourite time of year is when the Charter community comes together to honour our highest achievers. It’s always so great to hear the advisers share their stories and how the valuable advice they provide is making a real difference to so many people,” said Tim Mitchell-Adams.

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Brad Fox

The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and Zurich have announced the grand finalists in the prestigious 2016 AFA Adviser of the Year and Practice of the Year Awards (the Awards).

This year three leading practitioners and practices are being recognised for their leadership, advocacy and innovation in the financial services industry.

In its 14^th Year, the Adviser of the Year Award was first presented in 2003, as a joint initiative between the AFA and Zurich, and is regarded as Australia’s most prestigious award for financial advice.

In its third year, Practice of the Year is now a highly competitive award with nominations growing significantly each year.

AFA CEO, Brad Fox, says the finalists across both categories have participated in a rigorous assessment process, where they have been judged on areas such as education, experience and contribution to the industry, as well as the processes they employ to deliver an outstanding and consistent customer experience.

“The Awards truly represent the cream of the crop, as evaluated by third party testing and robust business analysis,” says Fox.

“We know each year it is getting more difficult for great practitioners and practices to stand out from the crowd because the standard in our industry continues to be both raised and met. This is a great reflection of the desire in our industry to adapt and change.”

Zurich Life and Investments CEO Tim Bailey says: “As Australia’s premier advice awards, we continue to see finalists who are the true innovators and leaders amongst their peers. The calibre this year is once again exceptional, and proves that the advice profession remains vibrant, forward looking, and well placed to navigate the evolving landscape.”

The 2016 Grand Finalists for the Adviser of the Year Award are:

• Darren Johns, Align Financial, NSW
• Jason Peterson, 5 Financial, NSW
• Gary Spencer, Spencer Private Wealth, NSW

Finalists for the 2016 Practice of the Year Award are:

• Henderson Maxwell, NSW – Sam Henderson
• Mediq Financial Services, VIC – Ravi Agarwal
• Navwealth Financial Group, NSW – Craig Banning

Winners will be announced on 7th October 2016 at the AFA National Conference at the National Convention Centre in Canberra.

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