Overview
Shaping Advice 2026 returns to Sydney at a pivotal moment for the profession.
As the advice sector navigates ongoing regulatory reform, the impact of DBFO and CSLR settings, rising compliance costs, rapid technology adoption and evolving consumer expectations, the role of high-quality financial advice has never been more critical. At the same time, an ageing population, increasing complexity of retirement decisions and the growing advice gap are sharpening the focus on accessibility, affordability and trust.
This flagship FSC event brings together senior leaders from advice licensees, superannuation funds, platforms, asset managers, policymakers and service providers to examine how the industry can sustainably deliver better financial outcomes for Australians. The program will move beyond policy headlines to focus on practical solutions, including scalable advice models, AI and technology-enabled delivery, regulatory settings that support professional judgement, and the commercial realities of running advice businesses in a changing environment.
Building on the strong engagement from our previous Shaping Advice event, the 2026 iteration will feature forward-looking keynote sessions, candid industry discussions and policy insights that reflect the real pressures facing advisers and the institutions that support them. The conversation will centre on one core question: how do we ensure advice remains accessible, trusted and fit for purpose in a system that increasingly relies on it to support Australians’ long-term financial security?
Designed for a senior, cross-sector audience, the event provides a timely forum to shape the next phase of advice reform while reinforcing the industry’s central role in improving financial resilience, choice and retirement outcomes for Australians.
This event is recognised as contributing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): 5 hours | 5 CPD points.
PROGRAM
Welcome and opening remarks from FSC CEO Blake Briggs.
Speakers
Blake Briggs
CEO, Financial Services Council
Research keynote presenting the latest data on advice demand, capacity constraints and the growth outlook for Australia's advice profession.
Speakers
Andrew Inwood
Founder & Principal, CoreData
Capital is flowing into Australian advice businesses at a scale not seen for years. While public debate focuses on regulatory complexity and adviser shortages, sophisticated investors are making a different calculation — seeing strong long-term fundamentals, recurring revenue models and significant growth opportunities.
This session explores why advice has become one of the most attractive areas of financial services investment, what investors are seeing in the market, and how businesses are evolving to capture the next phase of growth. Panellists will discuss the rise of strategic capital, succession and acquisition activity, the evolving economics of advice businesses, and what increased investment means for advisers, clients and the future of the profession in addressing Australia's advice gap.
Speakers
Chair
Paul Barratt
Group CEO, AZ Next Generation Advisory
Matt Fogarty
EGM Advice Partnerships, infocus
Andrew Inwood
Founder & Principal, CoreData
Melinda Howes
Group Executive, Superannuation & Investments, AMP
The Hon. Tim Wilson MP, Shadow Treasurer will share the Opposition's perspective on the future of Australia's financial services sector and its role in supporting economic growth. This keynote followed by a fireside discussion will explore the Coalition's approach to economic growth and productivity, fiscal responsibility, tax reform, as well as the importance of a strong financial services industry in enhancing the nation's productive capacity and long-term prosperity.
Speakers
Chair
The Hon. Tim Wilson MP
Shadow Treasurer
Blake Briggs
CEO, Financial Services Council
Australia is confronting a growing advice gap. More than 2.5 million Australians are expected to retire in the next decade, driving demand for financial guidance at a time when adviser numbers remain constrained. CoreData predicts that approximately 1.7 million Australians who want advice will be unable to access it. This session will examine the implications for advisers, superannuation funds and policymakers, and explore how the sector can expand access while maintaining quality and consumer protections. What role might targeted advice, new adviser pathways, digital solutions and emerging technologies such as AI play in supporting advisers, improving consumer engagement and creating a more scalable and sustainable retirement advice ecosystem alongside regulatory reform?
Speakers
Chair
Matt Brown
CEO, Fortnum and Personal Financial Services
Adrian Gervasoni
Executive Manager Advice Services, Industry Fund Services
Andrew Gregory
Chief Advice Officer, UniSuper
Jason Hoang
CEO, InvestStream
Chris Weldon
Chief Transformation Officer, MUFG Pension & Market Services
In the wake of the Shield and First Guardian collapses, the financial services sector faces a new wave of regulatory reform to strengthen consumer protections against bad actors. Yet the risk of regulatory overreach is real, with unnecessary cost and red tape potentially undermining consumer choice, healthy competition and access to affordable advice. How can industry lead a balanced response that addresses the core issues exposed by these failures? This session examines how targeted reform can strengthen consumer protections and platform investment governance, reform the CSLR and progress DBFO, delivering better outcomes for clients and members while maintaining choice and healthy competition.
Speakers
Chair
Bryan Ashenden
Head of Financial Literacy & Advocacy, BT Financial Group
Daniel Shrimski
Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Vanguard
Geoff Wilson AO
Chairman & CIO, Wilson Asset Management
Keith Cullen
CEO, WT Financial Group
A Fireside Chat with ASIC Chair Alan Kirkland, exploring the regulator's priorities, approach to consumer protection, and outlook for the advice sector.
Speakers
Chair
Alan Kirkland
Commissioner, ASIC
Blake Briggs
CEO, Financial Services Council
A data-led presentation examining how superannuation choice affects retirement outcomes across different member cohorts.
Speaker
Lachlan Reardon
Partner, NMG Consulting
Australia is confronting a growing advice gap. More than 2.5 million Australians are expected to retire in the next decade, driving demand for financial guidance at a time when adviser numbers remain constrained. CoreData predicts that approximately 1.7 million Australians who want advice will be unable to access it. This session will examine the implications for advisers, superannuation funds and policymakers, and explore how the sector can expand access while maintaining quality and consumer protections. What role might targeted advice, new adviser pathways, digital solutions and emerging technologies such as AI play in supporting advisers, improving consumer engagement and creating a more scalable and sustainable retirement advice ecosystem alongside regulatory reform?
Speakers
Chair
Andrew Alcock
CEO, Hub24
Lachlan Reardon
Partner, NMG Consulting
Kate Farrar
CEO, Brighter Super
Neil Younger
CEO, Entireti
Chaneg Torres Executive Director, Policy, Financial Services Council
As Australia grapples with the challenge of delivering affordable, accessible financial advice at scale, platforms are evolving beyond investment administration to become critical enablers of the advice process. Through investment in technology, workflow automation, AI, data connectivity and practice support, platforms are helping advisers improve productivity and reduce the cost of delivering advice. As their role expands, where should the line be drawn between platforms, advice practices and advisers? How can technology enhance efficiency without compromising professional judgement or client relationships? Join industry leaders as they explore the future role of platforms in building a scalable, sustainable advice ecosystem.
Speakers
Chair
Matt Heine
CEO & MD, Netwealth
Renee Howie
Chief Customer Officer, Insignia
Darren Pettiona
Executive Director Strategy, Dash
Blake Briggs
CEO, Financial Services Council
Artificial intelligence is transforming how organisations engage with customers, deliver services and make decisions. Yet the greatest challenge is not adopting AI, but maintaining trust. As advice businesses seek to improve productivity, expand access and deliver more personalised experiences, success will depend on consumer confidence. What can financial advice learn from industries already leading this transformation? Drawing on examples from retail, healthcare, automotive and logistics, Nigel Dalton and Manu Iyer from Thoughtworks will share four practical lessons for building trust while harnessing AI to strengthen client confidence, business performance and sustainable growth.
Speakers
Chair
Nigel Dalton
Technology Advisor & Evangelist, Thoughtworks
Manu Iyer
Director & Industry Head, BFSI APAC, Thoughtworks
Sam Wall
CEO, Wealth, Iress
Managed accounts have become one of the fastest growing segments of Australia's advice market, with advisers, platforms and investment managers increasingly adopting SMAs and MDAs to deliver scalable investment solutions and consistent client outcomes. As the sector approaches $300 billion, ASIC has intensified its focus on governance, conflicts management and consumer outcomes. This session explores the drivers of continued growth, the opportunities and risks facing the sector, and what advisers, licensees, platforms and investment managers should be doing now to meet heightened regulatory expectations while continuing to deliver value for clients.
Speakers
Chair
Kristine Goodwin
Director Growth & Wealth Distribution, AMP
Grant Hackett OAM
Group CEO, Generation Development Group
Matt Lawler
CEO, Akumin
Sarah Brennan
Chair & Non-Executive Director
SPONSORS
Major Partner
Supporting Partners
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Lanyard Partner
Networking Partners
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Speakers
Andrew Alcock
CEO, Hub24
Andrew joined HUB24 as CEO in 2013, leading its transformation from a platform newcomer to a market-leading provider of platform, data, and technology solutions for the wealth industry. Under his leadership, HUB24 now administers over $100 billion in client assets and includes HUBconnect, Class, and myprosperity.
With nearly 30 years in wealth management, Andrew’s experience spans advice, platforms, superannuation, insurance, and IT. Before HUB24, he held executive roles at Genesys Wealth Advisers, Tyndall, and Asteron, working closely with advisers and serving on the boards of 20+ advice practices.
He was also CEO of Australian Administration Services (Link Group, now MUFG), delivering administration and technical services to major superannuation funds.
Bryan Ashenden
Head of Financial Literacy & Advocacy, BT Financial Group
Bryan Ashenden leads the BT Tech Services team– a group of professionals committed to supporting the adviser community with technical, regulatory, and policy support.
Bryan has many years’ experience in leading and delivery comprehensive technical solutions to advisers and their clients, the last 25 spent with BT and Asgard. Prior to that, he spent six years with KPMG in their taxation consulting division.
Bryan has qualifications in Law, Commerce and Financial Planning, is a SMSF Association Specialist Adviser, and member of the FSC’s Advice Board Committee. Bryan is a frequent presenter and facilitator at many industry events, has lectured in financial planning subjects and regularly contributes to trade and consumer publications.
Paul Barrett
Group CEO, AZ Next Generation Advisory
Paul established AZ NGA in 2015, after a career as a senior executive at some of Australia’s leading banking and financial services institutions including the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ANZ Bank and Rothschild.
Paul has over 20 years’ experience in wealth management.
Originally from New Zealand, Paul graduated from Victoria University in Wellington with a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, majoring in Accounting and Commercial Law. He came to Australia in 1998 and held roles with Connelly Temple and Rothschild before being appointed General Manager of the CBA’s Financial Wisdom dealer group and later General Manager of Distribution for the bank’s wealth arm, Colonial First State.
After seven years at the CBA, he joined ANZ Wealth Management, rising to Managing Director, Global Advice and Distribution.
In 2014, Paul helped 4 Pines Brewing Company establish its first Board, serving as the group’s inaugural Chairman. During a period of significant growth and expansion, he guided the group to become a Certified B Corporation and oversaw its 2017 acquisition by global giant Anheuser- Busch InBev. Paul was also Chair of the 4 Pines Advisory Committee.
Sarah Brennan
Chair & Non-Executive Director
Having spent over 30 years as an executive across Asset management, Advice, Super, Platforms, broking, private advisory and investment Banking, Sarah is now a full time Non-Executive Director. She currently service on the Boards of Netwealth and Netwealth Super, Credit Corp, Noble Oak, Argo listed Infra Structure and she chairs the Advisory Board of Investment Trends. Investment Trends is a leading provider of research across financial services in Australia as well as globally. Investment Trends provide valuable data on both Advisers and consumers and they have recently released their latest research on Managed Accounts and Licensee business models , as well as their market leading consumer research in relation to advice (sentiment, demand, technology .AI and the “advice gap”) as well as consumers and superannuation.
Blake Briggs
CEO, Financial Services Council
Blake Briggs is the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Council.
Blake became CEO of the Financial Services Council in January 2022 after joining the FSC as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 2020, where he was responsible for policy and advocacy on behalf of FSC members.
Blake has extensive experience as an advocate for the financial services industry. Blake has previously worked for Westpac Group, as Head of Government Affairs for Wealth, and at the FSC as Senior Policy Manager for Superannuation. Blake has also worked as a policy adviser and industrial advocate for the Commonwealth Government and the NSW Business Chamber.
Blake is also a member of the Board of Advice for the University of Sydney Business School's Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies. Blake holds a Juris Doctor from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor in Commerce (liberal studies) from the University of Sydney.
Matt Brown
CEO, Fortnum and Personal Financial Services
Matthew has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services and has held a diverse range of roles across the industry before joining Fortnum in December 2023 and playing a key role in the creation of the Entireti group. As CEO of Fortnum and Personal Financial Services (PFS) Matt’s remit is to guide and grow that part of the group. Immediately prior to this role Matthew was Executive General Manager of Advice for Australian Unity, and lead the transaction & transition for AU to bring PFS and Fortnum together.
Prior to joining AU, Matt was CEO of two licensees – Millennium 3 and Financial Services Partners. Prior to that Matt was with CBA/Colonial First State for 10 years in a range of roles including Head of Advice Development where he was responsible for distribution Growth & Innovation. Over the years Matthew has also held roles in fund administration, product management, insurance underwriting, and advice technical analysis & strategy.
During his time Matt has successfully completed a range of qualifications including a Master’s Degree in Financial Services Law, a Diploma of Financial Planning, and a Diploma of Superannuation Fund Management.
Keith Cullen
Founder & Managing Director, WT Financial Group
Keith has more than 35yrs experience as a corporate executive and entrepreneur across the financial services, broadcast media, and technology sectors. He is the founder and CEO, and largest (non-institutional) shareholder, of ASX-listed WT Financial Group Limited (ASX: WTL).
Established in 2010, WT Financial Group is one of largest financial adviser networks in Australia. Its wealth management, retirement planning, and personal risk insurance advice services are delivered primarily through a group of more than 400 privately-owned advice practices whose advisers operate as authorised representatives under the group’s Wealth Today, Sentry Advice, Synchron Advice, and Millennium3 subsidiaries.
WT Financial Group’s network of advice practices collectively deals with more than 100,000 clients – and have more than $23Bn of assets under advice; annual in-force personal insurance premiums of more than $400M; and new insurance premium sales for circa $25M annually.
Keith is a strong advocate for the advice profession, and for consumer-eccentric regulatory reform to improve access to financial advice for more Australians. He is also a member of the FSC Advice Board Committee.
Nigel Dalton
Technology Advisor & Evangelist, Thoughtworks
Nigel Dalton is a social scientist at Thoughtworks Asia-Pacific. He is well-known for his work in technology and innovation, stemming from his time as CIO of REA Group and GM of Technology at Lonely Planet, as well as a diverse background in government, startups, and private enterprise across multiple countries.
He worked for National Mutual in the 1990s, as they became AXA Australia, and regrets being unable to convince either party that the internet would be a thing.
Nigel joined Thoughtworks in 2020, and has continued his work speaking at conferences, writing articles, podcasting, advising executives, and mentoring. He is the Chair of Lean Enterprise Australia, and a passionate advocate of the tools within that world.
Kate Farrar
CEO, Brighter Super
Kate Farrar is the Chief Executive Officer of Brighter Super, where she has led the fund’s transformation from a $10 billion Queensland public-sector fund into a $35 billion success story with more than 280,000 members.
Since her appointment as CEO in April 2018, Kate has overseen the merger of LGIAsuper and Energy Super and the acquisition of Suncorp Super—the first industry fund acquisition of a retail fund. This integration, completed 18 months ahead of schedule, delivered a 40% reduction in administration fees for members while expanding services across Queensland.
Under Kate’s leadership, Brighter Super has become one of the fastest-growing industry funds in Australia, recognised for both its operational sustainability and member-first approach. In acknowledgment of these achievements, she was awarded the Fund Executive of the Year Award by the Fund Executives Association Ltd (FEAL) in 2024.
Kate brings 35 years of leadership experience across finance and energy, including senior roles at Barclays de Zoete Wedd, Suncorp Investment Management, NSW Treasury Corporation, McKinsey & Company, and Ergon Energy.
Beyond her role at Brighter Super, Kate serves as a Non-Executive Director of ASX100-listed Seven Group Holdings and is the President of the Queensland Futures Institute.
She holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) and a Master’s Degree in Econometrics and Finance. Through a scholarship from Chief Executive Women, she is also a graduate of INSEAD’s Advanced Management Programme. In 2025, following her FEAL award education grant, Kate completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business program, People, Culture, and Performance: Strategies from Silicon Valley.
Matt Fogarty
EGM Advice Partnerships, infocus
Matt Fogarty is Executive General Manager – Partnerships at Infocus Group, a national advice firm providing advisers with flexible partnership pathways and access to integrated advice, technology and investment solutions. In this role, Matt works with advice businesses to support scalable growth, improve client outcomes and build long-term enterprise value.
Matt is also Chair of the Licensee Leadership Forum, a collective of more than 70 leading licensees representing over 5,000 authorised representatives across Australia’s retail and for-member-profit advice sectors. Established more than nine years ago, the Forum provides a structured platform for industry leaders to share insights, discuss policy and regulatory developments, and engage directly with government and regulators.
Matt has more than 25 years’ experience in financial services as a CEO, executive leader, director, responsible manager and consultant.
His experience spans financial planning advice, AFSL executive management, life risk and general insurance, risk management and compliance, sales and distribution, and practice management consulting in Australia and overseas.
Matt is passionate about the social and community value that quality professional advice can deliver. Throughout his career, he has led and supported teams to build compelling advice propositions, strengthen business performance, drive transformation and help advice firms develop sustainable, client-focused models that can prosper across generations.
Adrian Gervasoni
Executive Manager Advice Services, Industry Fund Services
Adrian Gervasoni is Executive Manager, Advice Services at Industry Fund Services (IFS), where he leads the design and delivery of innovative advice solutions for superannuation funds. His work is focused on using service design and technology to make high-quality financial advice more accessible, scalable, and relevant for everyday Australians.
With deep expertise in advice regulation, digital advice models, and member engagement, Adrian works at the intersection of policy, technology, and customer experience, helping funds move beyond traditional advice models to deliver simpler, more effective outcomes at scale.
Andrew Gregory
Chief Advice Officer, UniSuper
Andrew Gregory is UniSuper’s Chief Advice Officer, leading the fund’s national Advice business. He oversees UniSuper’s integrated approach to financial education, guidance and personal advice, and partnerships with independent advisers. With more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience across banking, wealth management and superannuation, Andrew brings deep expertise in financial services strategy, governance and member outcomes. He joined UniSuper in 2022.
Grant Hackett OAM
Group CEO, Generation Development Group
Grant joined the Group in September 2017 and was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, Generation Development Group on 1 January 2025, having served as Chief Executive Officer of Generation Life since 2018.
Since Grant’s appointment in 2018, the market capitalisation of Generation Development Group has grown from under $100 million to over $2 billion, reflecting the successful execution of GDG’s long-term growth strategy. With over 18 years experience, Grant has held many senior positions across marketing, distribution and wealth management for Westpac and BT Financial Group.
Grant’s qualifications include an Executive Master of Business Administration with first class honours, a Diploma of Financial Services and he is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Prior to his corporate career, Grant was a multiple Olympic, Commonwealth and World champion representing Australia in swimming and has held 16 world records. Grant had 64 starts at major international competitions and medalled 58 times with 36 of them gold. Grant has received the Order of Australia medal, Australian Sports Medal, and Centenary Medal for his achievements and is a member of the Sports Australia Hall of Fame. Grant has also served on multiple Boards such as Regal Funds Management, Generation Life, Headstrong – National Centre for Mental Health and the Australian Olympic Committee Athletes Commission.
Matt Heine
CEO & Managing Director, Netwealth
Matt's financial services career began when he joined Netwealth in 2001. His experience in sales, marketing and product brings a ‘hands on’ understanding to his role. Matt has a passion for advice, super, investment and technology and is a regular media commentator and presenter on these topics.
Jason Hoang
CEO, InvestStream
With a background in accounting, Jason Hoang entered the financial technology sector at a pivotal moment, combining strategic foresight and opportunity to drive industry innovation. As a Co-Founder of Xplan, he played a key role in shaping a platform that has been an integral part of Iress since 2003, transforming the landscape of trading and wealth technology. Jason remains deeply passionate about the trading and wealth technology industry. A firm believer in relentless execution and bold leadership, he takes immense pride in mentoring talent and driving success. At InvestStream, Jason is focused on new frontiers in fintech, leadership, and innovation, continuing his mission to shape the future of financial services.
Melinda Howes
Group Executive, Superannuation & Investments, AMP
Melinda was appointed Group Executive Superannuation and Investments in January 2024, joining from KPMG where she led the Actuarial and Data Analytics team. She leads AMP’s Superannuation business which serves personal and corporate super members with flagship offering AMP Super. She also leads AMP Investments and AMP New Zealand.
Melinda has deep expertise in superannuation with more than 30 years in the industry with roles ranging from product to sales and business line leadership. She also has experience in wealth management, life insurance, general insurance and not for profit organisations, including as CEO of the Actuaries Institute and Policy Director at ASFA.
Melinda is an actuary and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia. She has executive and non-executive director experience and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Renee Howie
Chief Customer Officer,Insignia Financial
Renee has more than 20 years’ experience growing some of Asia Pacific’s strongest businesses in the financial and professional services industries including Macquarie, BlackRock, CBA, and AMP.
As Chief Customer Officer, Renee is responsible for Advice and Marketing at Insignia Financial, creating a continuum of brand awareness, customer engagement, and guidance, through to comprehensive advice.
Prior to her current role, she was Chief Marketing Officer at AMP Limited where she was responsible for leading the brand, marketing, data and digital capabilities.
Andrew Inwood
founder & CEO, CoreData
Andrew Inwood is the founder and principal of CoreData and has more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian financial services industry. He started his career at Rothschild Australia Asset Management where he headed the marketing team, before moving to AMP Investments where he spent more than a decade. During his time at AMP, he was seconded to Virgin Direct in the UK to help establish the finance and investment arm of the group.
Andrew returned to Australia to be marketing director of Wizard Home Loans. From Wizard he moved to Telstra where he spent three years as general manager of applications and hosted services, before leaving to start CoreData. In the past 20 years, CoreData has expanded out of Sydney to have offices in Perth, London, Boston and Manila.
Andrew is the author of more than 50 pieces of significant research into clients and their behaviour and has a particular focus on the value of the client experience in financial services. He is a highly regarded speaker and has delivered keynote speeches in every Australian capital city, London, Edinburgh, New York, Tokyo, Queenstown, Monaco and Berlin.
Andrew has served on a number of charity and sporting club boards and been a seed investor in and director of a number of start-up businesses, particularly in the online sector, a practice which he continues to this day.
He has a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney ASIA.
Manu Iyer
Director & Industry Head, BFSI APAC, Thoughtworks
Manu Iyer is the Director and Industry Head of BFSI at Thoughtworks, bringing over two decades of experience in driving digital and customer transformation across the Asia-Pacific region.
During his nine-year tenure at Thoughtworks, Manu has served as a strategic industry leader and subject matter expert, specialising in how product innovation, technology modernisation, and data/AI can enable and accelerate transformative business growth—particularly within the Banking, Wealth, and Payments sectors.
Throughout his career, Manu has worked closely with established financial services players, regulators, fintechs, and the broader financial ecosystem across Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He brings deep, practical expertise in core modernisation, data-led digital transformation, data monetisation, and delivering robust AI strategies.
Alan Kirkland
Commissioner, ASIC
Alan commenced as an ASIC Commissioner for a five-year term on 20 November 2023.
He has more than 20 years’ experience in consumer protection, social services, law reform and justice in the public and not-for-profit sectors.
Most recently, Alan was the CEO at CHOICE where he represented the interests of Australian consumers for more than 11 years.
Earlier, Alan was the Executive Director of the Australian Law Reform Commission, the CEO of Legal Aid New South Wales, Chair of the National Legal Assistance Advisory Body, and Executive Director of the NSW Council of Social Service.
From 2016 to 2017, Alan was a member of the panel for the Ramsay Review, which led to the establishment of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and Compensation Scheme of Last Resort.
He holds degrees in Arts and Law from the University of NSW, an Executive MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Matt LawLer
CEO, Akumin
Matt is a seasoned senior executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, renowned for driving industry-first strategic and operational innovations. His leadership style emphasizes simplicity in strategy, relationship-building, and staying attuned to industry trends to enhance commercial performance, build brands, and increase market share through customer-centric approaches. He has a proven track record of managing significant change initiatives, including M&A activities, diversification, brand evolution, and turning around underperforming divisions, always focusing on creating value and preparing businesses for future challenges.
A strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership approach, Matt fosters open team environments and emphasizes stakeholder engagement to secure buy-in on key issues. He is passionate about staying ahead of industry disruptions by leveraging intuition and conceptual thinking, ensuring organizations are not only optimized for current success but also resilient for future growth. His career reflects a commitment to transforming businesses, driving growth, and creating sustainable competitive advantages in a dynamic financial landscape.
Darren Pettiona
Executive Director, Strategy
Dash
Darren has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry and has been at the forefront of financial services technology. He currently serves as Executive Director of Strategy at DASH Technology Group, where he continues to drive innovation in the financial advice sector.
Darren was the founder and CEO of Advent Software Australia Pty Ltd (SS&C Technologies, USA), he was co-founder and CEO of Coin Software, a leading financial planning system that was acquired by Macquarie Bank. Following this, he played a pivotal role in the early development of HUB24 as co-founder and CEO, guiding the platform's emergence as a significant player in managed accounts. He has also held non-executive directorships in various financial service and government entities including Charles Schwab Australia, Investorfirst Ltd, Allied Funds Management, van Eyk Research and TOTE Tasmania.
Under his strategic leadership, DASH has developed an integrated platform that streamlines the entire financial advice process – from client onboarding and fact-finding to scenario modelling, Statement of Advice (SOA) generation, and investment execution. This end-to-end solution enables advisers to deliver cost-effective, scalable advice, improving operational efficiency and client engagement.
Lachlan Reardon
Partner, NMG Consulting
Lachlan leads NMG’s Wealth and Superannuation strategy consulting practice in Australia, working with clients in the retail and not-for-profit sectors across product, strategy and M&A initiatives as well as complex transformation and regulatory change programs.
Daniel Shrimski
Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Vanguard
Daniel Shrimski is the Managing Director of Asia Pacific. In this role, Daniel is responsible for all aspects of the management, distribution, and operation of Vanguard’s Asia Pacific business.
Daniel joined Vanguard Australia in 2011 as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. He moved to the U.S. in January 2017 to become the divisional CFO of the U.S. Retail Investor Group, which comprises over $US3 trillion in AUM and more than 8 million retail investors. Most recently, he was CFO of Vanguard’s International business and a member of the International Leadership Team.
Daniel has a wealth of financial services experience in both Australia and the U.S. Prior to Vanguard, he spent 11 years at GE across Australia, the U.S. and the Netherlands where, amongst other roles, he was a Finance Director within GE Capital Australia’s consumer finance division.
Daniel has a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Daniel is a Director on the Financial Services Council is also a member of the Investment Committee with the American Chamber of Commerce.
Chaneg Torres
Executive Director, Policy, FSC
Chaneg Torres is the Executive Director of Policy at the Financial Services Council.
Chaneg is responsible for leading the FSC’s policy team as it develops the industry’s response to legislative and regulatory change.
Chaneg has previously been the Policy Director for the FSC’s funds management portfolio, leading policy development on issues such as the review into the regulatory framework for managed investment schemes, sustainable finance policy, the foreign investment framework, and exchange traded funds. Before joining the FSC, Chaneg worked as a Policy Advisor in regulatory and consumer policy at the Insurance Council of Australia, including working on the industry’s response to the Financial Services Royal Commission. He also has extensive experience working in State and Federal politics.
Chaneg has a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Political, Economic and Social Sciences from the University of Sydney.
Sam Wall
CEO, Wealth, Iress
Sam Wall is the CEO, Wealth APAC, at Iress. He has more than 25 years’ experience in superannuation, investments, wealth and insurance, leading teams across product, advice, operations and technical services.
He joined Iress from Insignia Financial, where he was the General Manager of Master Trust & Insurance Products. Prior to this, he held senior positions at MLC Wealth, Colonial First State and Zurich Financial Services.
Chris Weldon
Chief Transformation Officer, MUFG Pension & Market Services
Chris Weldon, Chief Transformation Officer at MUFG Retirement Solutions, brings over 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, specialising in business transformation and technology-driven change. He oversees enterprise initiatives leveraging cloud, AI, and digital platforms to ensure compliance with regulations. Chris has successfully delivered complex, large-scale transformations and integrations, improving operational performance and governance while aligning strategy, people, and technology to drive compliant, efficient, and client-focused outcomes.
Geoff Wilson AO
Chairman & CIO, Wilson Asset Management
Geoff Wilson has more than 46 years of experience in investment markets, having held senior investment roles in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. He founded Wilson Asset Management in 1997, which today comprises 20 investment professionals managing more than $6 billion on behalf of over 130,000 investors across nine listed investment companies and two unlisted funds.
Geoff serves as Chairman of several Wilson Asset Management listed investment companies and is the founder and Director of Future Generation Australia and Future Generation Global. In 2024, he launched Future Generation Women, Australia's first all female managed fund, supporting both investment returns and greater economic opportunities for women. Collectively, the Future Generation companies have donated more than $100 million to Australian charities.
In addition to his roles across Wilson Asset Management and the Future Generation companies, Geoff is also a Director of Staude Capital Global Value Fund Limited, Hearts and Minds Investments Limited, the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation and the Australian Rugby Foundation. He is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
The Hon. Tim Wilson MP
Shadow Treasurer
The Hon. Tim Wilson MP is the Shadow Treasurer and Federal Liberal Member for Goldstein. First elected in 2016, he made political history at the 2025 federal election as the only Liberal candidate to win a seat from Labor, achieving an unprecedented comeback after his 2022 defeat. Prior to entering Parliament, Tim served as Australia's Human Rights Commissioner, where he worked with asylum seekers, Indigenous communities, and advanced equality before the law for all Australians. In government, he served as Assistant Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, passing landmark legislation to establish new renewable energy industries, and as Chair of the House Economics Committee, where he led oversight of the Hayne Royal Commission's implementation and exposed governance failures in the superannuation sector.
Tim is a recognised advocate for economic reform and intergenerational opportunity, with a particular focus on housing affordability and home ownership. He is the author of The New Social Contract: Renewing the Liberal Vision for Australia (2020). He holds a Master of Diplomacy and Trade, a Graduate Certificate in Energy and Carbon Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts, and has completed executive education in trade, carbon policy, economic development, and intellectual property at leading Australian, European, and American institutions. Tim lives in Bayside, Melbourne, with his husband Ryan and their pug, Louis.
Neil Younger
Group ceo, Entireti
Neil Younger is the Group CEO of Entireti, a company founded in 2024, with a vision to transform the future of financial advice services and a focus on making financial advice more accessible to Australians while ensuring business profitability. He leads the parent company of the Fortnum Group, Personal Financial Services and Akumin.
Neil is an established industry leader and experienced Senior Financial Services Executive, specialising in wealth management, licensee management, and advice and distribution, with a profound understanding of financial services regulatory reform. He brings extensive board and responsible management experience across various entities, regulated licensee businesses, and advice boards.
Prior to joining the Entireti Group (previously named Fortnum) in 2017, Neil served as Managing Director of Advice and Distribution at ANZ Wealth, where he oversaw ANZ’s financial advice and risk businesses, encompassing ANZ Financial Planning and licensees (Millennium3, RetireInvest, FSP, and Elders Financial Planning). Together these entities comprised a network of more than over 1,500 financial planners.
Neil has extensive executive level experience gained from roles such as General Manager at Commonwealth Bank Financial Planning, Head of Licensee Services at BT Financial Group and CEO of Securitor. He excels in strategy development and execution, sales leadership, organisational restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and leading large teams of over 1500 employees.
Neil is a Co-Chair of the FSC Advice Board Committee. He also Chairs the Licensee Leadership Forum and is a member of the Joint Advice Working Group (JAWG).
Neil holds a commerce degree in Economics, a diploma in Financial Planning and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Neil’s opinions are frequently sought in industry publications; he is regularly invited to speak at industry events and is frequently sought after for his insights by industry publications.
early bird Ticket PRICING
MEMBER
Individual: $395 + GST
Table of 8: $3,080 + GST
NON MEMBER
Individual: $495 + GST
Table of 8: $3,880 + GST
*Cocktail Event included in cost.
Early bird rates end 7 July 2026.
View the booking terms and conditions here.
Event DETAILS
Date
Thursday 30 July 2026
TIME
8:15am / Registration
9am - 5pm / Event Sessions
5pm - 6:30pm / Cocktail Event
VENUE
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
199 George Street, The Rocks NSW 2000