The Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA) has elected new office holders to its board of directors following the industry body’s annual general meeting.
As a result, Scott Heathwood is now president and chair of IFPA, with Kurtis Alaeddin taking the role of vice-president. Outgoing chair Stephen Ware will remain on the board in the position of treasurer.
The new make-up of the board is to reflect IFPA’s succession process designed to preserve a level of experience while also positioning the organisation for its next chapter of evolution.
Heathwood described it as an honour to be elevated to his new roles at what he saw as a critical time for the tax, superannuation and financial services sectors.
“A key focus in my term will be strengthening IFPA’s presence in the financial services sector, deepening our relationships with self-licensed and boutique advice practices that are driving innovation and genuine client care,” he said.
“My priority is to ensure IFPA continues to champion the efforts of those practices, arguing for fair, stable and predictable policy settings that support private enterprise rather than hinder it. We will keep investing in practical tools, robust CPD (continuing professional development) and advocacy, so that self-licensed firms and boutique advisers see IFPA as their natural professional home.”
Alaeddin brings significant experience to the professional body having worked with financial advisers and accountants in the small to medium enterprise space for a number of years. He recognised his involvement comes when the lines between tax, superannuation and advice are increasingly converging.
“Practitioners need one trusted association that understands their reality in practice and stands up for them when regulation overreaches. I look forward to working with Scott, Stephen, [IFPA chief executive] Ky [Wilson] and the rest of the board to strengthen IFPA’s services, broaden our reach and ensure the voice of the independent practitioner is clearly heard,” he noted.
Wilson indicated the changes to the board provided fresh leadership with deep knowledge of the association’s history and purpose.
“Board renewal is healthy for any association, particularly one with more than a century of service behind it,” she said.
