The SMSF Association has announced the winners of its practitioner awards across four categories at its National Conference 2026 held in Adelaide last week.
“Each year we embody our values by demonstrating excellence in their SMSF capabilities and by the contribution they make to the SMSF community,” SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess explained.
Recognition for achieving the highest score in the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA) exam was presented to Quill Group senior SMSF accountant Ben Harrison.
With regard to the SMSF Specialist Auditor (SSAud) designation, Miriam Kewley was acknowledged as the top achiever in this accreditation course.
“The SMSF Association’s SSA and SSAud designations are highly regarded within the industry. They are the industry benchmark of excellence and professionalism in our sector. Today we’d like to celebrate the members who undertook the accreditation program in 2025 and attained the highest exam marks,” Burgess told delegates at the annual sector event.
The winner of the SMSF Association CEO Award was Saul SMSF chief executive and managing director David Saul.
“The SMSF Association CEO Award is [presented] to a member who has made a significant contribution to foster the SMSF community and promote the values of the association,” Burgess said.
“This year’s winner has played a pivotal leadership role as chair of the association’s professional standards committee and is a highly respected and active member of our NSW local community,” he added.
The SMSF Association Chair Award was the final presentation of the day and this was conferred upon DBA Lawyers special counsel Bryce Figot.
“We give [the SMSF Association Chair Award] to a member who has worked diligently to make an outstanding contribution to the growth and sustainability of the SMSF sector,” SMSF Association chair Scott Hay-Bartlem noted.
“Bryce is renowned for his deep technical expertise and his ability to distil complex legal concepts into clear, practical guidance for practitioners. He is widely respected for his integrity, precision and unwavering commitment to improving best practice within the SMSF profession.”
