Existing board members already include Geoff Lloyd, Peter Bobbin and Rodney Payne, and the addition of Goss brings further industry expertise to the role, as well as continued independence, strong guidance and more than a decade of recent experience with a number of the major insurers.

A former insurance executive, most recently Goss worked with MLC Life Insurance, where he was National Manager Debt Protection and Partnerships and a Regional manager, Bancassurance, Direct and Digital. Prior to this, he was Head of Adviser Distribution, Retail Advice at CommInsure where he was responsible for the businesses distribution strategy and managing the sales and support teams.

Goss was also Head of Insurance Retail Sales at ANZ Wealth and National Sales Manager, Life. Risk at Zurich Financial Services Australia.

According to iExtend CEO David Sarkis, the ability of iExtend to attract Board members of Goss’s calibre, demonstrates the integrity and value of iExtend’s proposition and its desire to bring the best people and opportunities to the table.

“We are delighted Kevin joins our Advisory Board adding further bench strength to our existing Advisory Board members who offer incredible industry insight and bring years of industry experience to the iExtend proposition and to understanding how it fits into a regulated market.”

iExtend launched last year and has been met with wide adviser support, offering them and their clients another option to the cancellation of life insurance policies.

“iExtend has a valuable role to play in ensuring the sustainability of life insurance, particularly in challenging market conditions such as now where the cost of living and rising premiums are making it harder for clients to view insurance as an asset,” said Sarkis.

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John Maroney

Allens partner and superannuation law expert Michelle Levy, who is heading the Quality of Advice Review with Treasury, will join a panel dissecting Quality of Advice at the SMSF Association Technical Summit being held on 27-28 July on the Gold Coast.

Levy will be one of five speakers on the Breakfast Panel discussing the topic, “Quality of Advice – A new horizon”. The other speakers will be BT Financial Group Head of Financial Literacy & Advocacy, Bryan Ashenden, FPA Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Abood, AFCA Acting Leading Ombudsman, Investments and Advice, Shail Singh, and Institute of Public Accountants Group Executive, Advocacy & Policy, Vicki Stylianou.

SMSF Association CEO John Maroney says: “The panel will examine what the quality and affordability of advice will look like in the future. It will also provide an opportunity for the industry to collaborate on proposed practical solutions to remove complexity and lower costs.”

One session certain to attract strong attention will focus on how advisers can take better care of their mental health and emotional well-being.

To be run by Artemis Investments Director Philippa Hunt, this session takes on special relevance for many delegates in the wake of a recent survey of 700 financial advisers that showed more than 50% of respondents had suffered a significant decline in their mental health since the Royal Commission and subsequent legislation.

Maroney says: “The survey returned quantitative results and anecdotal evidence of widespread issues with mental health across the industry.  This session will identify aspects of mental health and emotional well-being, how to recognise undue stress and when to take action to alleviate it. “

Another session with three SMSF specialists will use a case study to bring to life the “superannuation life cycle” of a professional surfer, from setting up her SMSF in her 20s to her final wipe-out in her late 70s.

SuperConcepts’ Graeme Colley will be the session narrator and client adviser whose decisions and documentation will be critically reviewed by the fund auditor, ASF Audits’ Shelley Banton. The third actor in this compelling drama will be the client’s lawyer, Coleman Greig Lawyers’ Peter Bobbin, who will provide a risk management overlay from both a client and adviser perspective.

“We’re always looking for fresh ways to give the sessions ‘a practical bent’ by creating life-like client situations to make them more compelling listening as well as stimulating delegate participation.

“With this session I believe the organisers have scored the perfect 10 by offering a documented history of a female surfer’s super life cycle, beginning with a ripple then moving on to a gnarly ride before she rides off into the sunset.

“It’s a case study that will consider the importance of documentation from different perspectives, including the client, accountant, auditor and lawyer, as delegates follow her wild ride from setting up the fund to admitting new members to the ongoing acceptance of the annual fund accounts and its final winding up.”

Cryptocurrencies will also come under the spotlight with ATO statistics showing this asset comprised $226 million of SMSF assets at 31 March 2022. RSM Director Katie Timms and Associate Director Tracey Dunn will explain the basics of blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital assets, the taxation treatment of digital assets, and sole purpose test considerations with non-fungible tokens and crypto wallets.

Register for the event.

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Ms Petra Churcher is stepping down as Future2 Chair following many years’ service: she was previously Future2 Ambassador and was appointed to the Future2 Board in 2016 and served as Chair since 2018.

Future2 is the foundation of the financial planning profession in Australia. Through its annual Future2 Make the Difference! Grants program, Future2 supports young Australians experiencing social, financial or physical hardship. Since 2007, Future2 has contributed over $1.1 million to benefit disadvantaged young people across Australia.

Ms Berry said: ‘It’s an honour to take on the role of Chair for Future2, an organisation I am extremely passionate about.  I would like to acknowledge the outstanding service and dedication of outgoing Chair, Petra Churcher. Petra has been part of every single grant provided by Future2 since 2016 and has contributed to the lasting difference that Future2 makes in our local communities”.

Ms Berry continued: “2020 has been an extraordinary year, commencing with the devastating impact of the bushfires and the development of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Our local communities and charity partners are experiencing unprecedented challenges and Future2 is committed to engaging financial planning professionals around Australia to support t initiatives that improve the lives of young Australians in need”.

Ms Berry has been a strong supporter of the work of Future2 having previously served as a Future2 Deputy Chair since 2019. Julie Berry is a registered tax (financial) adviser and a Certified Financial Planner professional who has practised as a financial planner for more than 30 years. Julie is an Independent Director of Xplore Wealth Limited (ASX:XPL). As Technical Specialist for Drs Financial Services AFSL # 487758 Julie works closely with Financial Planners. Julie has previously served as both Chair and a board member of the FPA and Chair and board member of the Institute of Financial Advisers in NZ.  She is a life member of the FPA and recipient of the Money Management Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms Maragna takes up her new appointment as Future2 Deputy Chair having served as Future2 Director since 2019.  She is Chief Executive of Aspire Retire, and has featured on the Barron’s 2020 Top 100 and 2019 Top 50 Financial Advisers honour roll. Ms Maragna is a well-recognised finance commentator and advocate for the financial planning profession. She is a CFP and recipient of a number of industry and business accolades.

Commenting on the new appointments, FPA CEO Dante De Gori CFP^® said: “The work of Future2 touches the lives of young people facing really challenging times. We are thrilled to welcome Julie as Chair and Olivia as Deputy Chair of the Future2 Foundation. I would also like to personally thank Petra for her remarkable leadership and growth of the Future2 Foundation,” he said.

Mr Peter Bobbin, FPA CEO Mr Dante De Gori CFP^®, Mr Giles Gunesekera, Ms Alison Henderson CFP^®, Mr Hugh Humphrey and Ms Pene Lovett continue to serve on the Future2 Board.

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Giles Gunesekera

The Future2 Foundation is pleased to welcome Mr Giles Gunesekera to its Board of Directors.

Mr Giles Gunesekera is Founder and CEO of Global Impact Initiative and is a member of the global advisory board of the United Nations (Climate & Health and Sustainable Finance) as well as a wide range of not-for-profit boards across human rights, arts, sports and disabilities.

Future2 is the Foundation of the Financial Planning Association in Australia. Through its annual Future2 Make the Difference! grants program, Future2 supports young Australians who are going through social, financial or physical hardship.

Since 2007, Future2 has contributed $1,195,066 to benefit young people across Australia. In 2019, Future2 met an ambitious target to increase its grant distribution when it awarded $191,066 to 20 not-for-profit organisations – an increase of more than 5% over the previous year.

Future2 Chair, Ms Petra Churcher, says: “Our vision at Future2 is to become the chosen foundation for all financial planners and their respective communities. We are committed to increasing our fundraising so that we can double our annual grant amount from nearly $200,000 to $400,000 per annum to provide more support to young Australians across the country.

“The appointment of Mr Gunesekera will support our vision to continue to raise the profile of the Future2 Foundation within the financial planning community and beyond”.

Several Directors recently concluded their terms on the Board. Future2 gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Mr Patrick Canion CFP^®, Ms Anne Graham CFP^®, Mr Joseph Hoe and Mr Michael Neary CSC with thanks for their commitment and service to the Foundation.

Mr Peter Bobbin, FPA CEO Mr Dante De Gori CFP^®, Ms Alison Henderson CFP^®, Mr Hugh Humphrey and Ms Olivia Maragna CFP^® continue to serve on the Future2 Board under the leadership of Ms Petra Churcher as Chair and Ms Julie Berry CFP^® as Deputy Chair.

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Future2 is the foundation of the financial planning profession in Australia. Through its annual Future2 Make the Difference! Grants program, Future2 supports young Australians experiencing social, financial or physical hardship.

More than $1 million has been contributed by Future2 to benefit disadvantaged young people across Australia since its inception 11 years ago. The milestone was achieved by awarding $181,000 in new Future2 grants to 19 not-for-profit organisations in 2018, including special drought relief grants for struggling farming communities.

Future2 Chair, Petra Churcher AFP® says, “We have an ambitious target to increase our distribution in grants to $200,000 in 2019. We would like to see this annual amount double to $400,000 per annum. It is an ambitious target, and the extensive experience that Ms Berry, Mr Humphrey and Ms Maragna bring across a wide range of areas will be an absolute asset to the Future2 Board of Directors and our collective drive to make a positive impact to families and young people facing difficult circumstances.”

Each of the new directors brings a wealth of experience:

• Ms Julie Berry CFP® has been practicing as a financial planner for almost 30 years. She is a director of the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and Chair of Firm for 360 Financial Advantage. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has served as both the Chair and board member of the FPA and as Chair and Board member of the Institute of Financial Advisers in New Zealand. She is also a life member of the FPA and a recipient of the Money Management Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Mr Hugh Humphrey is a senior executive in the financial services industry, with an interesting and diverse background in management consulting and telecommunications. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Sydney, an MBA from Henley Business School at the University of Reading in the UK, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mr Humphrey has been on the Board of The Infants’ Home for almost five years.
• Ms Olivia Maragna CFP® is Chief Executive of Aspire Retire. She features on the 2019 Barron’s Top 50 Financial Advisers honour roll and presented a Hall of Fame Award for Business Achievement. She is a well-recognised finance commentator and advocate for the financial planning profession. She is the finance columnist for several national newspapers and has a regular finance segment on ABC radio.

Mr Peter Bobbin, Mr Patrick Canion CFP® , FPA CEO Mr Dante De Gori CFP® , Ms Anne Graham CFP® , Ms Alison Henderson CFP® , Mr Joseph Hoe CFP® and Dr Michael Neary CSC continue to serve on the Future2 Board under the ongoing leadership of Ms Petra Churcher AFP® as Chair.

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Andrea Slattery

Litigation claims in the superannuation industry are increasing, and it’s a trend that’s unlikely to change.

Peter Bobbin, Managing Principal, Argyle Lawyers, told the SMSF Association State Technical Conferences that the rise in litigation was simply mirroring the growth of superannuation, which now had about $2 trillion in FUM.

“The evidence is everywhere, whether it be the number of law firms advertising their expertise in this area, discussion on talk-back radio, conference topics, or the number of lawyers now working in this legal space.

“The simple fact is that as funds under management increase and as the legislation around it becomes more complex, then the need to get legal resolutions over disputes will simply grow exponentially.

“In particular, the very nature of the SMSF sector will result in more litigation as trustees and members of funds enter into dispute about the benefits of their SMSF. For both trustees and members, it is critical they understand the importance of knowing their legal rights.”

Bobbin told the Technical Conferences that one thing we know about superannuation was that governments were continually changing the system.

“We know people are tired of changes in superannuation. That shows up in every survey. But governments still can’t help themselves and continue to change the system.

“What this means is that the system appears to become more complex, and with that comes a fear of super being unstable and this promotes litigation. What is needed is a long period of stability, no more government legislation changes so that they can settle upon legal resolutions that will restore confidence.”

The SMSF Association CEO/Managing Director Andrea Slattery said Bobbin’s comment about changes to the system, and the public unease this created, was a point well made.

“The Association has constantly been telling all governments that there needs to be certainty around superannuation, and that every time the system changes it undermines confidence in it.

“It simply reinforces the point that superannuation requires bipartisan political support so that it can achieve its primary goal – helping Australians be self-sufficient in retirement.”

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Argyle has contracted and partnered with My Dealer Services to undertake the AFSL compliance reviews.

Speaking at the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (AIOFP) national conference in Hobart Tasmania, Executive Director Peter Johnston announced the launch of a compliance service for the Association’s membership of over 90 independently owned AFSL holders.

Commenting on the announcement, Peter Johnston confirmed Managing Principal Peter Bobbin from Argyle (part of the Rockwell Olivier national legal group) has been given the responsibility of providing the AFSL review service for AIOFP.

Argyle has contracted and partnered with My Dealer Services Pty Ltd (MDS) to undertake the AFSL compliance reviews under an exclusive arrangement, whilst practice appraisals is the responsibility of Frank Smith’s Adviser Compliance Services.

“The selection of MDS to undertake the task of ensuring AIOFP’s members AFSL requirements are in order was an easy choice as their industry reputation has been built on the successful processing of over 100 License applications for advisers and dealer groups,” said Peter Bobbin.

MDS was founded as a specialist support service provider for advisers seeking their own AFSL and the company comprises a senior management team of experienced financial services professionals with extensive and personal industry sector insight.

The ‘hands on’ expertise is reflected in MDS’s 100% success rate in supporting advisers to achieve their AFSL goals.

Supporting Peter Bobbin’s decision to utilise the expertise and services of MDS, Peter Johnston said he was confident that AIOFP’s members will appreciate the benefits that will be delivered through the comprehensive AFSL review offering.

In addition, Johnston says that any potential issues will be identified and remedied, resulting in a complete package for not only the licensee, but for any other interested parties such as ASIC or prospective buyers.

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Future2’s annual cycling fundraising event starts soon.

Future2’s annual cycling fundraising event takes to the road next month on a 1250 k route from Melbourne to Sydney.  When the Future2 Wheel Classic arrives in Sydney on 13 October, 5,000 km will have been covered in four Wheel Classics, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help disadvantaged young Australians towards brighter futures.

The annual fundraising event has attracted sponsorship from AMP Financial Planning (Gold Partner) for a third year, with a number of its planners and staff taking part this year.  Matrix Planning Solutions is Silver Partner for the fourth year running.

Thirty one keen cyclists have signed up for what promises to be one of life’s unforgettable experiences – a challenge of mental and physical stamina that will bring the satisfaction of knowing they are helping some of the most at-risk and in-need kids in Australia.

Each cyclist has set up an online fundraising page and is seeking the support of friends, family, colleagues and anyone who wants to recognise their herculean effort and selfless dedication to a great cause.  Donations can be made at www.future2fundraising.org.au/event/f2wheelclassic2013 .

Of the 31 cyclists:

• 13 have participated in earlier Wheel Classic events
• 3 – Peter Bobbin, Ray Griffin and Roger Simionato – have ridden in all four events
• 9 are riding the whole Melbourne to Sydney route
• 5 teams are participating: AMP Sparks, Bravien Financial, Hillross Bendigo, Les Trois Originals and Milestone Financial

“The Wheel Classic sets a gold standard for innovative fundraising by a professional community,” said AMP Financial Planning Managing Director Michael Guggenheimer.

“The Future2 Wheel Classic is a journey for the financial planning profession as a whole – not just those cycling in the event.  It demonstrates the move towards professionalism for financial planners, reflected also in their long-standing commitment to helping others.  As the ride makes its way from Melbourne to Sydney via Bendigo, Shepparton, Wodonga, Khancoban, Jindabyne, Canberra, Bowral and Wollongong, we will take that message into every community.”

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Planning is the key.

Australia’s leading succession lawyer is inviting financial advisers, their clients and the public to join him to learn the Planning Holy Trilogy: Wealth Creation, Wealth Preservation and Wealth Distribution. “Bring pen, paper and the ‘important other’ in your life and get ready to learn”, he says.

For the fourth year, Peter Bobbin is donating his time to deliver the Future2 seminars while simultaneously participating in the Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the Future2 Wheel Classic, a 1250 km charity cycle ride from Melbourne to Sydney.

Peter Bobbin, managing principal of Rockwell Olivier Sydney and a founding trustee of Future2 Foundation, knows all there is that is important to know about tax, super, risk insurance and much more.  He is a much-in-demand guest lecturer at a wide range of universities, institutes, associations and financial services businesses.

From 30 years’ experience, Peter guarantees financial advisers that their invited clients will turn to them to implement the simple strategies he talks about.  He offers practical tips and insights on minimising succession taxes, why super borrowing is so tax-effective (but watch the pitfalls), how to be commercial business succession ready, the common failings with children loans and how to fix these, how and why to testamentary trust the will (and when not to), the major super ‘dos and don’ts’ and much more.

The seminars are co-sponsored by Lonsec, a specialist in stockbroking and financial research, and Magellan Asset Management, manager of global equities and listed infrastructure strategies.  The Melbourne, Albury Wodonga and Canberra Chapters of the Financial Planning Association are supporting the events.

The sessions are being held in

• Melbourne, 4 October, 12 to 2.15 pm (Click here to book for the Melbourne session)
• Albury Wodonga, 7 October, 4 to 6.30 pm (Click here to book for the Albury session)
• Canberra , 10 October, 4 to 6.30 pm (Click here to book for the Canberra session)

The cost is $30 per person;  $210 for a table of 8 and the price of admission is fully tax-deductible.

Tickets may be booked by financial advisers on behalf of clients, or directly by members of the public.

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Nineteen cyclists –  out of the 40 who have taken part in the $100,000 fundraising marathon – were greeted by David Southwick, member for Caulfield in the Victorian Legislative Assembly; 1960s cycling Olympian Alan Grindal; AMP Financial Planning’s Thomas Reeh, and a crowd of wellwishers.  

The cyclists are financial planners and friends who had pledged to raise $100,000 to help disadvantaged young Australians through Future2, the foundation of the financial advice profession.

• The AMP Future2 Wheel Classic covered 1210 km in nine days, an average of 134.4 km a day. 
• The cyclists were on their bikes for between 4.5 and 6 hours each day.
• On average, they had to fix  8 flat or punctured tyres on the road every day – 14 of these on the road out of Sydney to Bundanoon on Day 1. 
• They spent an average of 3,251 calories each  day and were sustained by – among other energy foods and drinks – 53 kilos of bananas. 
• They climbed and descended an average of 1.25 km each day, the biggest climb being almost 3 km between Jindabyne and Corryong; the total net climb was 3.8 km.  
• In spite of the climbs, the cyclists averaged a speed of 28.7 km/h.  One recorded speed during the descent of the Snowy Mountains, was 80.7 km/h.

The group set off from Sydney’s Circular Quay at 7.30am on 15 September.  Their route took them to Canberra, over the Snowy Mountains, and through country Victoria stopping at Wangaratta, Shepparton, Bendigo and Castlemaine. This is the third annual Future2 cycling fundraiser. 

Future2 Wheel Classic 2012 - riders arrive in Melbourne

The Wheel Classic also has the generous support of Caltex (fuel vouchers), Vital Massage Therapies (massage), Rural Funds Management (dinner in Canberra) and many others.

The fundraising efforts of the cyclists have raised over $89,000 to date.  The ride also has the generous support of AMP Financial Planning (Gold Partner) and Matrix Planning Solutions (Silver Partner).  Magellan Asset Management and Macquarie sponsored seminars in Canberra and Bendigo, delivered by Peter Bobbin, a Future2 trustee and expert in superannuation, taxation and estate planning. 

The funds will boost Future2’s grant program, giving a second chance and hope for a better future to disadvantaged young Australians like those featured in the short films on the Future2 website, www.future2foundation.org.au/Grants/Grantfilms

Every cyclist participating in the AMP Future2 Wheel Classic has realized a personal goal on two levels: achieving a physical challenge while fulfilling a desire to help those in most need in the community. 

Check out the route at www.future2foundation.org.au/events/wheelclassic

See who is riding and make a donation at www.future2fundraising.org.au/event/f2wheelclassic

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