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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Niall McConville

Bombora Advice has announced that in response to Kevin Martin, stepping down as Chair, founder and Managing Director Wayne Handley has been appointed Executive Chairman; and Niall McConville Managing Director.

These changes will be effective July 1, 2025.

Kevin Martin has served as Chair since January 2016 and Niall McConville has been a member of the Bombora Board since April 2024.

In acknowledging Kevin Martin’s immense contribution, Wayne Handley paid tribute to his outstanding leadership that ensured stong financial management, corporate governance and positive positioning of the brand in the risk sector.

Kevin will continue on as a Board member.

Bombora has made significant progress since commencing operations in 2013 as a boutique focussed, advice led business dedicated to delivering professional risk advice and superior client outcomes.

In addition, to growing its national network of risk focussed advisory businesses, Bombora has established significant relationships with other professional service firms with a collaborative advice model to ensure their clients risk insurance needs are both met and serviced.

Wayne Handley said “It is a privilege to be appointed Chair and with the support of the Board and senior team, I am committed to building on Bombora’s marketplace reputation and presence.

“These are exciting times and the strategic business opportunities for Bombora are immense.  I’m looking forward to positioning the organisation for continued success and growth in the future.”

In welcoming Niall McConville as Bombora’s new MD, Wayne Handley said he is a seasoned financial services executive with a proven track record that has spanned two decades in advice, insurance, distribution, and strategy.

“Niall was responsible for numerous functions including sales, new business, underwriting, claims, and service – and played a role in helping to shape the future of financial advice in Australia.

“A passionate advocate for more consumer access to quality advice, he is committed to financial services diversity, including greater representation of women in advice and pro bono financial services for people facing hardship.

Niall holds industry-recognised qualifications in insurance and financial advice and is highly regarded for his ability to work with advisers, lead teams, deliver strategic growth, and build high-trust relationships across corporate and regulatory environments.

The news of Niall’s appointment has been enthusiastically received by Bombora’s adviser / practice network, alliance partners and insurance businesses.

Incoming MD Niall McConville said he was delighted to be Bombora’s MD as it is a vibrant business and justifiably proud of its industry reputation that has attracted professional advisory insurance specialists seeking a supportive AFSL dedicated to delivering superior client outcomes.

“My focus will be the next phase of Bombora’s strategic journey that will include enhancing operational efficiency, capitalising on growth opportunities in the life insurance sector and improving both adviser and client experiences”.

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Celebrating its tenth year, the FEIA is a joint initiative by the AFA and TAL, that recognises women in financial advice who are making a significant contribution to their profession, their community and their clients.

The FEIA Award 2022 finalists are:

• Amie Baker – Rekab Advice
• Kathy Havers – Viridian Advisory
• Morgan Hayward – Yield Financial Advisory
• Madeline Jacovides – Mazi Wealth
• Kathryn McDonald – Boutique Advisers
• Cara Williams – Sufficient Funds

TAL General Manager, Retail Distribution, Niall McConville, said “Now in its tenth year, the Female Excellence in Advice Award continues to recognise outstanding female advisers. We hope in celebrating the achievements and unique perspectives of each of today’s finalists we can encourage more women to become financial advisers and in turn encourage more Australians to engage with their finances.”

AFA CEO, Phil Anderson, said “The objective of this award is simply compelling, to get more females into the advice profession and to encourage more females to access financial advice. It is remarkable to reflect upon the fantastic winners and finalists over the ten years of this award, to see such fantastic role models, many of whom have gone on to take leadership positions within the profession. This year is no different, and I look forward to seeing the winner announced at the Gala Dinner on Friday 23 September 2022.”

Finalists will present to a judging panel in mid September about their business achievements, community involvement and views on mentoring, education, gender diversity and future vision.

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Niall McConville

A new nationwide survey of financial advisers released by leading Australian life insurer, TAL, has highlighted the growing role of advisers in supporting clients as they claim on their life insurance and the importance of collaboration between insurers, clients and advisers in ensuring positive claims experiences.

TAL commissioned the report, “The Value of Financial Advisers at Claim Time” to explore the role of financial advisers throughout the end-to-end claims process from both the adviser and client perspectives and to help inform and shape TAL’s ongoing support for financial advisers.

The report highlights the emotional challenges, for clients and advisers, when clients find themselves needing to claim on their life insurance policies. The findings also underscore the importance of claims training for advisers, and the positive impact that an adviser can have on a client’s emotional wellbeing throughout the claims process.

The research revealed that:

• 60% of advisers have felt stressed when working with their clients on a life insurance claim
• 43% don’t always know what to say when dealing with bereaved clients
• 77% of advisers agree helping their clients through claims is a key part of their offering.

TAL General Manager of Retail Distribution, Niall McConville, said the claims experience is at its most effective when insurers, advisers, and clients all work together.

“The research underpinning this report shows us that, by providing advisers with the tools, resources, and education they need to support their clients through a positive claims experience, we can empower them with the confidence to play that valuable role at claim time.

“Equally, there is a key role for insurers to better support advisers through what can be a daunting experience as they guide their client through a claim.

“The research backs up what we know from talking to our adviser partners – managing the challenges of claims can have an emotional impact on advisers. TAL remains as committed as ever to instilling confidence in our adviser partners and ensuring they have the support they need,” McConville said.

TAL Chief Claims Officer, Jenny Oliver, said a positive claims experience is at the heart of the TAL business.

“Resolving claims is the validation of a promise made between life insurers and their customers. During the often emotionally-charged period of claim time, TAL’s valued relationships with our adviser partners allows us to work together to enhance the customer experience across every stage of the journey through personalised and meaningful communication and connection

“TAL places a great deal of importance on ensuring those adviser partners who offer claims support as part of their advice service are well equipped and feel empowered to provide guidance to clients through the claims journey, and this report is an important step in better understanding the ways that we can do that,” Oliver said.

Read the report. 

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Nicola Beswick

The Pro Bono Financial Advice Network (PFAN) is pleased to announce the appointment of existing Board members, Nicola Beswick as Chair, and Natalie Kleibert as Deputy Chair.

Ms Beswick and Ms Kleibert will be responsible for leading PFAN into the next phase of its purpose – improving the financial wellbeing of Australians living with serious illness and/or disability by providing pro bono financial advice. Western Australian financial adviser, Stephen Knight, has also joined the Board.

“I am privileged to take on the role of Chair of PFAN,” Ms Beswick said. “As a financial adviser I understand the many small, yet powerful actions that people can take to change their financial future, and by their very nature, the course of their lives.”

Established in 2014, PFAN is a trusted network of industry professionals who are focused on providing pro bono financial advice to those in need. Advisers connected to PFAN provide trusted, quality financial advice that improves the sense of security for these clients.

In 2016, PFAN partnered with MS Queensland to provide pro bono financial advice to people with MS who had identified financial advice as one of their most needed services. PFAN has also formed a partnership with MS Limited, who provide services to those located in Victoria, NSW, ACT and Tasmania.

Ms Beswick succeeds Nick Hakes, who has stepped down as PFAN Chair after four years of service, but remains on as Treasurer. Tim Meggitt has stepped down as a director after seven years.

“I’d like to thank Tim for his contribution and many years of service. I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Nick for leading the Board with passion and enthusiasm during his time as Chair,” Ms Beswick said. “I am looking forward to working with him and the rest of the Board in continuing to grow the PFAN network and promoting the value and the positive difference that our PFAN advisers are delivering to individuals living with multiple sclerosis.”

Ms Beswick, a financial adviser, based in Melbourne, Victoria, said supporting people, particularly when they are experiencing a health crisis, highlights the importance of the work of advisers.

“I have a deep personal understanding of this as my dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis many years ago,” she said. “An income protection policy changed his financial future. This is why I am passionate about leading PFAN and the work we do to support the MS community.”

Ms Beswick also thanked TAL and the Association of Financial Advisers, who provide support with PFAN’s administration and operations.

During the pandemic this year, 17 clients have been connected with a PFAN adviser.

“It is pleasing to see we are connecting individuals who are living with multiple sclerosis, who cannot otherwise afford or access financial advice, with a PFAN adviser,” Ms Beswick said. “We have much more to do, to continue to promote the significant difference that financial advice can make, and to inspire other partners and advisers to join us on our important mission.”

Ms Beswick encouraged more advisers to make themselves available to support a pro bono advice case. “I welcome any adviser who wants to help someone in need to get in touch with us and find out how little of their own time it can take to support just one more person. They will be giving that person vital financial advice at a time when they need it. It’s often a small contribution that makes a massive difference.”

Other board members include Paul Harding-Davis, Brad Fox, Kate Humphries and Niall McConville.

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Niall McConville

Leading Australian life insurer, TAL, has reported encouraging results from the first full year of its Health Sense Plus program, which educates and incentivises customers to engage with their own preventative health.

Launched in 2019, the TAL Health Sense Plus program, which is aligned with preventative screening recommendations from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), rewards advised life insurance customers who undertake preventative screening tests with a discount off their lump-sum policy premiums every two years.

Preventative screening tests include any health examinations aimed at identifying and reducing the risk of future health conditions.

In a year when research,^[1] shows over a third of financial services consumers have delayed at least one preventative screening test due to safety concerns about visiting health clinics during COVID-19, as well as lockdown restrictions, TAL is encouraging more of its customers to participate in the program to support their health.

TAL reports that more than 1 in 4 advised customers were motivated to undertake a preventative screening test during the last year, with 95% of those indicating they intend to continue with preventative testing as part of their ongoing health management.

TAL General Manager, Health Services, Dr Priya Chagan, said, “In a year characterised by the global pandemic, we are pleased with the positive response to our Health Sense Plus program, and to see the uptake of preventative screening tests, particularly against a backdrop of disruption to people’s usual engagement with their GP.

“Now more than ever, it’s vital that people continue to have preventative screening tests in order to proactively manage their health.

“We know one reason Australians are failing to get preventative tests is due to confusion around which are most relevant for them, so we have aligned with the medical community and we’re educating customers on the value of managing health through prevention.

“All of the tests in TAL’s Health Sense Plus program have been recommended by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), which provides guidelines on the preventative screening tests people should get, based on their age, gender and individual underlying risks,” said Dr Chagan.

Australians can also access Medicare subsidised telehealth and pathology services, which were introduced by the Government earlier this year.

Niall McConville, TAL General Manager, Retail Distribution, added, “TAL’s Health Sense Plus program is one of the ways we are investing in customer health and are helping advisers have more holistic conversations with their customers about their health.

“Given the high customer engagement we’ve seen so far with the TAL Health Sense Plus program, this could be a real point of difference for advisers.”

TAL Health Sense Plus is available to TAL customers who hold Accelerated Protection policies through a financial adviser.

———-

[1] Research conducted by Fiftyfive5 Pty Ltd, Covid-19 Consumer Impact Monitor, 506 Australian Financial Services Consumers aged 18 – 79, surveyed 7th to 27th of September 2020.

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Niall McConville

This year has been challenging for many Australians, particularly for those suffering financial hardship resulting from a personal health crisis or the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economy.

In many instances, people faced with health challenges are having to make important financial decisions at an extremely emotional time. Now more than ever, as those economic and financial effects impact increasing numbers of Australians, the support of financial advisers can play an invaluable role in helping people navigate the challenges of 2020 and improve the course of many people’s lives.

Unfortunately not everyone has the same access to financial advice, which is why the Pro Bono Financial Advice Network (PFAN) was formed – helping connect advisers willing to provide pro-bono financial advice to those experiencing financial hardship triggered by a personal health crisis.

PFAN is an industry wide collaboration, and the organisation works with local communities and associations to offer financial support to those who need it most. The Pro Bono Network has a particularly strong partnership with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Limited, supporting people living with MS and their families with financial guidance as they work through their diagnosis and subsequent health journey.

To give but one example of the meaningful difference PFAN can make, a single 63-year-old mum suffering with MS was worried she would lose her Centrelink Pension – her only source of income. Through PFAN, an adviser was able to prepare an advice document, so she was able to receive a higher level of income, and create a plan to maximise her superannuation contributions, and assist her son with purchasing a property.

It’s important work, but PFAN support also goes beyond providing people with a no-cost service to plan ahead; the true value lies in helping disadvantaged members of the community access financial advice in general. The program is an opportunity for advisers to help people living with a health or disability issue to take control of one important aspect of their lives – their finances.

Not only does participating in the PFAN program leave advisers feeling a sense of fulfilment through positively impacting the lives of people living with MS and their families, it also reinforces the value that advisers deliver to the community. With more advisers supporting PFAN, local awareness and appreciation for the value of the guidance that financial advisers provide rises too.

Advisers have a strong platform to make a positive impact on the lives of those who need help but aren’t able to access or afford it. They can play a big part in helping those people to build confidence in their own financial decision-making.

Whether it be a quick discussion, some simple information or in-depth financial advice, advisers’ support is needed for the individuals and communities impacted by both health complications and financial hardship. The personal and professional benefits of providing pro bono financial advice are endless, and, for me personally, I feel grateful to have been involved with PFAN over the past few years and now as a Director on the Board.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see over 150 advisers put their hand up to volunteer and provide their services to help those less fortunate in times of need. If every adviser in Australia who has the capacity or wants to do more pro bono work saw one client a year with PFAN, that would make a huge difference. I encourage you to get involved.

As an advice community, I believe we can do more to give back where we can, and to ensure more Australians are getting tailored financial support that is appropriate to their circumstances. To make a gift of your personal expertise is immensely empowering.

Learn more about the Pro Bono Financial Advice Network.

By Niall McConville, General Manager of Retail Distribution & Board Director of the Pro Bono Financial Advice Network

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Dawn Thomas

Dawn Thomas from Wealthwise is the winner of the 2019 Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) Female Excellence in Advice Award (the Award).

The Award recognises outstanding female leadership in financial advice, celebrating women who are making a significant contribution to their profession, their community and their clients. The Award has been supported by TAL since inception in 2011.

AFA CEO, Philip Kewin said, “Dawn is a dedicated and passionate professional who works energetically to educate and improve the lives of women in her community. She is another worthy winner of the AFA’s Female Excellence in Advice Award.”

Dawn has been in the financial services industry since 2008. She found herself drawn to the industry because of the ability to meaningfully connect with people through their unique life experiences and empower them to capture their financial dreams. Dawn is particularly passionate about superannuation and Centrelink maximisation strategies. She has completed the Master of Applied Finance and a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning.

Niall McConville, TAL General Manager, Retail Distribution said, “Congratulations to Dawn on this fantastic achievement. She embodies the spirit of the Award, which is about promoting positive change in the financial advice sector, so that more women are encouraged to enter the industry, to take leadership roles and to seek advice, so that they are adequately resourced for retirement and protected by personal insurance.”

Dawn will receive a $15,000 tailored education package, courtesy of TAL.

The Award was presented at the AFA Conference in Adelaide last week.

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The Award promotes positive change in the financial advice sector by encouraging more women to enter the industry and take on leadership roles. It has been championed by TAL for the past nine years.

AFA CEO Philip Kewin said the Award also promotes the broadening of choices available to Australians when it comes to seeking financial advice. “The aim of the Award is two-fold. The first is to encourage more women to enter the industry and take on senior roles. The other equally important aim, is to encourage more women to seek advice so that they can be adequately resourced for retirement and obtaining insurance. With more women in the industry, we hope this will be a natural progression.”

The 2019 Female Excellence in Advice Award Finalists are:

• Felicity Cooper, Cooper Wealth Management
• Tracey Ferguson, Ferguson Financial Planning
• Dawn Thomas, Wealthwise
• Tabitha Tworek, Insight Wealth Planning

TAL General Manager Retail Distribution, Niall McConville, said this year’s finalists were clear standouts in terms of the successes they have had with their clients and the contributions they have made to the community, particularly in regards to promoting advice to females and encouraging more women to consider financial planning as a potential career.

“The quality of the applications we received again this year was excellent and I would like to thank everyone who submitted an application. The application process takes time and effort but many participants let us know how rewarding the experience is. It is a good opportunity for them to reflect on the great work they do every day for Australians and for some it is a chance to reflect on how they are performing to their business plan.”

The winner, who will receive a $15,000 tailored education package courtesy of TAL, will be announced at the AFA Conference in Adelaide on 29 August.

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Niall McConville

The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and its partners have much pleasure in calling for nominations for the AFA’s five awards, including the AFA Adviser of the Year and the AFA Practice of the Year, supported by Zurich; the AFA Rising Star, supported by OnePath; the AFA Female Excellence in Advice, supported by TAL and the AFA Excellence in Education, supported by Asteron Life.

AFA CEO, Philip Kewin said the AFA awards champion excellence, diversity, innovation and education by:

•   recognising the innovative leaders in advice
•   acknowledging the visionary and innovative practices
•   rewarding outstanding female leaders in advice
•   applauding the brightest new talent in advice
• commending those who are committed to pursuing higher professional standards by furthering their education

“We are looking for people within our profession who will be the foundation block of the stronger, more rigorous profession that we are all committed to building,” Mr Kewin said. “Winners will be those people who demonstrate that they are setting an uncompromising standard of excellence that has earned them the trust and confidence of the community.”

Kristine Brooks, Chief Distribution Officer, Zurich Life & Investments, said “Zurich is known for its longstanding commitment to life insurance advice and the professionals who provide it.  Championed by Zurich for 17 years, the AFA Adviser of the Year and the AFA Practice of the Year Awards recognise outstanding individuals and businesses in advice and celebrate qualities of leadership, innovation, customer-centricity and commitment to professional excellence. Our ongoing support of these awards celebrates and promotes best practice in financial advice and is one of the significant ways we help support a vibrant and respected advice profession.”

Commenting on the AFA and TAL Female Excellence in Advice Award, TAL General Manager, Retail Distribution, Niall McConville, said, “We are delighted to be long-term supporters of this Award since 2011. We believe the Award continues to be an important influence in generating awareness around the need for more diversity within the profession itself while also addressing the under-representation of women seeking financial advice. The calibre of entrants to the Award continues to rise, and we look forward to seeing the achievements and community impact of all the participants this year.”

Natalie Jarvis, Head of Strategic Accounts and Sales Strategy at OnePath said, “This is OnePath/ANZ’s 15th year of proudly partnering with the AFA to recognise emerging talent in the financial advice industry. In this time of unprecedented industry change it’s important that we continue to recognise talented professionals joining the industry and support them in their personal and professional development via the AFA Rising Star award.”

Speaking about the AFA Excellence in Education Award, Daniel Waller, Head of Wealth and Life Intermediaries at Asteron Life said, “We’re passionate about education as a way to enhance advice quality and improve client outcomes as well as to build trust within our industry. It’s why we’re delighted to be supporting the AFA Excellence in Education Award. Now more than ever, the community, our industry and advisers are recognising the transformative power of education in advice. With a growing focus on better client outcomes and stronger professionalism, I think we’ll continue to see education being integral to enhancing our industry’s reputation and improving the quality of advice.”

Nominations for all AFA awards are now open and can be made via the following links:

• AFA Adviser of the Year and AFA Practice of the Year supported by Zurich
• AFA Rising Star supported by OnePath
• AFA Female Excellence in Advice supported by TAL
• AFA Excellence in Education supported by Asteron Life

Winners will be announced on 29 August 2019, at the Gala Dinner held during the AFA National Adviser Conference in Adelaide.

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