Institute of Financial Professionals Australia

16/04/2026

We were pleased to have our President, Scott Heathwood, present at the recent Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA) 2026 Conference, sharing insights and perspectives with our member community and contributing to another successful professional forum. Events like these continue to strengthen connection, learning and leadership across the profession.

22/03/2026

Today, we continue our Speaker Spotlight series, showcasing the calibre of the people on stage and the practical guidance you can take straight back into your practice. Each spotlight will introduce a featured presenter and the session they will deliver, so you can plan your time, target the topics most relevant to your work, and arrive ready to get maximum value from two days of straight-talking education, clear takeaways, and peer-to-peer insight.⁣
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𝐒𝐌𝐒𝐅 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬⁣
Death benefit planning is an area of practice involving significant legal and administrative risk, where errors can have lasting consequences. This plenary session examines the wide range of issues that can arise on the death of an SMSF member and explains why proactive, well-considered planning is essential.⁣
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Drawing on real-world case studies, the session will explore the critical decisions and arrangements that should be addressed before a member dies. It will highlight how effective planning can add significant value to an SMSF and its beneficiaries or, if overlooked, create serious difficulties for surviving trustees, beneficiaries and SMSF practitioners. The discussion will focus on key issues that arise after a member’s death, such as trustee discretion, beneficiary choice, incapacity, trust deeds and death benefit documentation, trustee duties and conflicts of interest, and will consider how these issues may be further complicated by proposed measures such as Division 296.⁣
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The session will provide advisers with a practical framework to identify and manage SMSF death benefit and estate planning risks, helping ensure client intentions are carried through and outcomes are protected when it matters most.⁣
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𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨⁣
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This is a two-day, practical programme built for professionals who want timely legislative updates, real-world guidance, and a strong network around them. No fluff, no nonsense, just the kind of content that helps you do the job properly and protect your clients and practice.⁣
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𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲⁣
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Choose the format that suits your work and location:⁣
In-person at Crown Melbourne for the full conference and Expo Hall experience⁣
Online to access the education from wherever you are⁣
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𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬⁣
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𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝟏𝟖+ 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐏𝐃⁣
A concentrated learning opportunity designed to help you meet your annual requirements with confidence.⁣
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𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭⁣
Focused sessions across tax, superannuation and financial advice, covering what matters right now and what’s coming next.⁣
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𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 (𝐢𝐧-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧)⁣
Meet trusted industry partners and leading solution providers showcasing the tools, services and solutions that support efficient, compliant, profitable practices.⁣
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𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧⁣
Built-in networking opportunities throughout the programme, plus social moments to continue the conversation beyond sessions.⁣
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𝐀 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞, 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲⁣
Crown Melbourne offers convenience, comfort, and the right setting for two days of learning and connection.⁣
Platinum members attend free⁣
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If you are a Platinum member, your two-day ticket is included at no additional cost. You will receive a separate email shortly containing your exclusive registration code to secure your place at the event.⁣
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If you are not currently Platinum, consider upgrading now to secure maximum value and attend the conference as part of your membership.⁣
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Register now and secure your place (in-person or online). https://ifpa.com.au/institute-of-financial-professionals-australia-2026-conference/

22/03/2026

Today, we continue our Speaker Spotlight series, showcasing the calibre of the people on stage and the practical guidance you can take straight back into your practice. Each spotlight will introduce a featured presenter and the session they will deliver, so you can plan your time, target the topics most relevant to your work, and arrive ready to get maximum value from two days of straight-talking education, clear takeaways, and peer-to-peer insight.

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Join Natasha and Stuart from IFPA’s Superannuation and Financial Services Technical Team for an essential update on today’s key pension issues. This session will cover transfer balance cap indexation opportunities and traps, managing pensions on death (including reversionary vs non-reversionary pensions), and the latest ATO approach to minimum pension failures through practical case studies. The presentation will also explore the common tax avoidance concerns when starting and stopping pensions. A must-attend session for advisers and SMSF professionals navigating an evolving pensions landscape.

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨

This is a two-day, practical programme built for professionals who want timely legislative updates, real-world guidance, and a strong network around them. No fluff, no nonsense, just the kind of content that helps you do the job properly and protect your clients and practice.

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲

Choose the format that suits your work and location:
• In-person at Crown Melbourne for the full conference and Expo Hall experience
• Online to access the education from wherever you are

𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝟏𝟖+ 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐏𝐃⁣
A concentrated learning opportunity designed to help you meet your annual requirements with confidence.⁣
⁣
𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭⁣
Focused sessions across tax, superannuation and financial advice, covering what matters right now and what’s coming next.⁣
⁣
𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 (𝐢𝐧-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧)⁣
Meet trusted industry partners and leading solution providers showcasing the tools, services and solutions that support efficient, compliant, profitable practices.⁣
⁣
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧⁣
Built-in networking opportunities throughout the programme, plus social moments to continue the conversation beyond sessions.⁣
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𝐀 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞, 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲⁣
Crown Melbourne offers convenience, comfort, and the right setting for two days of learning and connection.

Register here: https://ifpa.com.au/institute-of-financial-professionals-australia-2026-conference/

20/03/2026

Day 2 of the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo is well and truly underway and the energy in the room is just as strong as yesterday. 🔥

We kicked off this morning with Keith Abraham returning to the stage to recap the highlights of Day 1 and set the scene for what lies ahead, the perfect way to get the room fired up and ready to go.

Then Dan Butler took the floor with what can only be described as a must-attend session on SMSF Death Benefit Planning avoiding disputes and protecting client outcomes. Complex, critical, and delivered with the kind of clarity that had delegates furiously taking notes. If you advise SMSF clients, this one was genuinely invaluable. 📝

And we are not done yet. Still to come today:

👉 Cyber Security for Tax, Super and Advice Practices
👉 The Future Accountant — How AI is Changing Compliance
👉 Under the Bonnet of Listed Income Funds
👉 CGT and Deceased Estates
👉 All Things Pensions
👉 Property and Tax Planning
👉 Division 296 — What to Expect and What it Means for Clients

Rounding it all out with prize draws and networking drinks at 4:30 pm. 🥂

Two days. Incredible sessions. An amazing community. This is what the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA) is all about.

19/03/2026

Day 1 of the IFPA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo is a wrap — and what a day it was. 🙌

From the moment the doors opened at Crown Conference Centre, Melbourne, the energy in the room was electric and it only built from there.

A packed AML/CTF session that had delegates leaning in from start to finish. Outstanding workshops on CGT and Ethics that delivered the kind of practical, real-world insight our profession needs right now. And then Keith Abraham took the stage to close with Unstoppable Velocity a session that genuinely stopped people in their tracks. The room was locked in, and for good reason. That one will stay with people long after they leave Melbourne. 💡

And if the conference itself was not enough the evening took things to a whole new level.

Networking drinks at Crown's Tonic Bar, great conversations flowing, and then a capacity crowd at the River Room for the very first IFPA Conference Dinner. A night to remember in every sense capped off by the brilliant Lehmo, who had the entire room absolutely howling with laughter. 😂

To every delegate, speaker, sponsor, and exhibitor who made today what it was — thank you. Genuinely.

Day 2 today and we cannot wait. If Thursday was anything to go by, the bar is set very high. 🔥

28/08/2025

You're Invited: Exclusive CPD Lunchtime Briefing at the ASX

Tuesday, 15 July | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Sydney CBD
Free to attend | 2 CPD hours | Light lunch included

The Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA) and the Listed Association are proud to present an exceptional double-session CPD event at the iconic ASX Exchange Square in Sydney.

Session 1: Division 296 Explained – Strategic Impacts for High-Balance Clients
Presented by Natasha Panagis, Head of Technical at IFPA

As Division 296 returns to the legislative agenda, Natasha will unpack the complexities of this significant new tax for clients with super balances over $3 million. From the earnings formula and loss carry-forwards to strategic planning questions, this session is essential for advisers supporting SMSFs and high-net-worth clients.

Session 2: Unlocking the Strengths of Listed Investment Vehicles (LIVs)
Hear from leading voices in listed investments:
Ian Irvine, CEO, Listed Association
Geoff Driver, AFIC, DJW, MIR, AMH
Will Seddon, Whitefield Industrials
Martyn McCathie, Wilson Asset Management

This panel will explore how LICs and LITs continue to deliver value through consistency, franking, and professional long-term management — ideal for income-focused clients seeking reliable alternatives.

Location: ASX Exchange Square, 20 Bridge Street, Sydney
Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Registration at 11:45 AM)
CPD: 2 accredited hours
Cost: Free to attend | Light lunch provided

Spaces are strictly limited. Secure your seat today.
Register now

With the government’s Division 296 proposal back in the spotlight, advisers must understand how this new tax will affect clients with superannuation balances over $3 million.

28/08/2025

Time is running out!

Nominations for the 2025 Australian Financial Industry Awards close in just 2 weeks.

This is your opportunity to be recognised among the professionals who are shaping the future of tax, superannuation, accounting, bookkeeping, and financial advice. Whether you nominate yourself or someone you know, this is your chance to take the stage and celebrate excellence in our profession.

WHY NOMINATE?

Hear It From Last Year’s Winners

Christine McWilliams, Auditor of the Year (The SMSF Foundation):

"This recognition is incredibly meaningful, not just for me but for my entire team. It validates our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of auditing and our commitment to innovation.”

Christine was celebrated for building bespoke SMSF audit software and adopting remote auditing systems – redefining efficiency and client care in her field.

Nicola Beswick, Financial Adviser of the Year and Australian Financial Professional of the Year:

“These awards are unique because they truly celebrate the breadth of talent in our industry… The focus on the SME sector is commendable—these practitioners often operate without the resources of larger firms, yet their contributions are immense.”

Nicola’s recognition came from her compassionate, human‑centered advice, guiding clients through TPD claims, TAC settlements, and major life challenges.

WHY ENTER NOW?

• Achieve national recognition for your expertise and impact

• Elevate your profile and credibility with clients and peers

• Be part of a prestigious gala event with 300+ industry leaders

• Celebrate your success with a community that values independent and SME professionals

28/08/2025

A Successful CPD Lunchtime Briefing in Brisbane

Another excellent professional development session, delivered in partnership between the The Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA) and the Listed Association.

Attendees heard from:
Natasha Panagis on the strategic implications of Division 296 for high-balance clients

Geoff Driver, Martyn McCathie, and Angus Gluskie, shared valuable insights on the role of Listed Investment Vehicles in today’s markets

A heartfelt thank you to Ian Irvine for steering the session so professionally, to rockstar Suzanne Harding for her exceptional work in co-producing the event.

A special thank you to Morgans Financial Limited for generously hosting today’s CPD Lunchtime Briefing.

Your support provided the perfect setting for an engaging afternoon of professional development, technical insights, and meaningful industry discussion.

We are grateful for your partnership in helping deliver high-quality CPD opportunities to the financial services community.

IFPA is proud to continue delivering relevant, timely, and practical CPD for financial professionals across Australia.

26/08/2025

GST refund fraud attempts – ATO is watching!

The ATO has identified a significant number of GST refund fraud attempts which involves individuals inventing a fake business, lodging a fraudulent ABN application and submitting a fictious BAS to attempt to gain a false GST refund. The ATO says such fraudulent activity has been circulating as online advertising and content, particularly on social media, and that the ATO is working with digital platforms to shut down this advertising.

15/08/2025

Celebrating Excellence: Ky Wilson Named Finalist at the 2025 Women in Wealth Awards!

We are thrilled to announce that Ky Wilson, the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia's (IFPA) Acting General Manager and Head of Marketing & Membership, has been shortlisted for Marketing/Communications Professional of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Women in Wealth Awards.

This nomination is a testament to Ky’s dedication to supporting Australia’s financial professionals through impactful marketing, strategic partnerships, and innovative engagement. Under her leadership, IFPA has strengthened its role as the go-to association for tax, superannuation, and financial advice professionals.

The Women in Wealth Awards, organised by Financial Newswire and the Emerge Foundation, recognise female leaders shaping the future of financial services.

We look forward to celebrating on 29 May 2025 at The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney!

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16/09/2024

Join Over 1,600 Industry Leaders with CPD Pro – Unlock Special Pricing!

In an industry where staying ahead is vital, maintaining your professional edge is not just beneficial—it’s essential. That’s why over 1,600 industry professionals have already embraced CPD Pro, the all-inclusive platform that provides everything you need to keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up-to-date.

What CPD Pro Offers:
With over 70 CPD hours annually—including 32.5 hours of structured CPD and 37.5 hours of unstructured CPD—you’ll not only meet compliance requirements but also continue to expand your expertise and position yourself at the forefront of the profession.

Why Choose CPD Pro?
Comprehensive learning options: Gain access to 70 CPD hours per year with a well-balanced mix of structured and unstructured content.

Diverse formats: From live and on-demand webinars to in-depth articles and interactive assessments.

Tailored content: Designed for tax, superannuation, and financial advice professionals, and always up-to-date with the latest industry trends and requirements.

Convenient and flexible: Learn at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time—fitting your CPD around your schedule has never been easier.

Join today https://ifpa.com.au/cpd-pro/