SPEAKERS
Learn from some of the best minds in the SMSF and Superannuation space in Australia.
Aaron Dunn
Aaron Dunn is a recognised leader in the SMSF sector with more than 25 years of industry experience. As CEO and Co-founder of Smarter SMSF, he leads the business which focuses on simplifying complex superannuation rules through technology-driven document and education solutions for accountants and financial advisers.
Known for his deep SMSF technical insights and practice-management expertise, Aaron is regularly sought after for his views to help shape the SMSF industry’s direction. In recognition of his significant contributions to the sector’s growth and sustainability, he received the SMSF Association’s Chairman’s Award for 2023. Beyond the world of SMSFs, Aaron is an avid AFL and athletics fan. He’s plays an active role in the senior football program at Strathmore FC and previously competed as a nationally ranked high jumper with a personal best clearance of 2.14m.
CEO,
Smarter SMSF
Anna Hacker
After an accomplished legal career leading two of Australia’s major estate planning teams, Anna now serves as a Client Director within the Family Office team at Pitcher Partners. She holds a combined Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree, during which she spent a semester in Berlin on a German government scholarship to research her thesis on the language of fear in correspondence from Jewish refugees fleeing Vienna for Melbourne in 1937.
Following her admission as a legal practitioner, Anna initially focussed on Elder Law before becoming an accredited specialist in Wills & Estates, and a member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners. Her practice has centred around complex estate planning and advising high-net-worth individuals on how to achieve their estate planning goals. Anna is passionate about education and excels at clarifying complex legal concepts, demonstrated during her time as host of Australian Unity’s podcast “What Happens When I Die?” and, more recently, Pitcher Partners’ business podcast “Navigating the Middle Market”. Additionally, she has provided legal consultancy for seasons two and three of the ABC’s award-winning television series “Fisk”.
Pitcher Partners
Anthony Cullen
Anthony joined the Accurium education team in late 2023 and has over 25 years of experience in the accounting and SMSF industry.
He has previously held senior roles managing the SMSF division of a small accounting practice and providing SMSF technical support within a large SMSF administration business.
Over the years, Anthony’s roles have evolved from the accounting function of SMSFs to keeping on top of the ever changing technical and compliance nature of this specialised area.
He now finds his passion in training and educating on all things SMSF. He has experience in delivering training sessions to staff, trustees and professionals alike. Anthony has contributed to articles and podcasts over the years and is regarded for his ability to keep the complex simple.
He is an SMSF specialist adviser with the SMSF Association and currently serves as a committee member for the association’s SA local chapter.
Anthony currently resides in regional South Australia and enjoys having the Flinders Ranges at his doorstep to explore whenever possible.
Senior SMSF Educator,
Accurium
Belinda Aisbett
Belinda is a director of Super Sphere Pty. Ltd., a specialist self managed superannuation company, where she is responsible for providing audit, consulting and training
services in relation to self managed super funds.
Belinda established Super Sphere in 2003 to specialise in SMSF auditing and audit related services. This is in addition to providing an SMSF Audit Toolkit to other auditing professionals and undertaking numerous training engagements each year.
Belinda is a member of the CAANZ, and holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Belinda is also a specialist Fellow member of the SMSF Association (SMSFA) and co-chairperson of their audit discussion group.
Belinda is also a member of ATO SMSF auditor stakeholder group
Director,
Super Sphere
Ben Kelly
Ben Kelly is the Deputy Commissioner of Superannuation & Employer Obligations (SEO) within the Australian Taxation Office. He joined SEO in September 2025 after four years in the role of Deputy Commissioner, Policy, Analysis & Legislation in the ATO’s Law Design & Practice Group.
Prior to commencing in the Deputy Commissioner PAL role, Ben worked in a variety of legislation development, law interpretation and operations roles across the ATO, as well as being seconded to Treasury’s Law Design Practice. Ben has also worked in ATO enabling and corporate roles, including being the ATO’s Chief Risk Officer and Chief Internal Auditor.
After completing a combined Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) degree at the Australian National University,
Ben joined the ATO as a graduate in 1995 and has remained with the organisation ever since. Ben also holds a Masters in Sport Management from Deakin University.
Deputy Commissioner, Superannuation & Employer Obligations,
Australian Taxation Office
Bruce Collins
Bruce is the founder and principal solicitor at Tax Controversy Partners Pty Limited, currently helping clients to resolve all types of tax issues with the ATO and SROs. Before moving into private practice in 2017, Bruce worked for over 35 years in the Tax Office, a third of this time as a Senior Executive in what is now Compliance & Engagement Group, covering most ATO functions. Bruce was the leader of the Technical & Case Leadership area in Private Wealth for several years prior to leaving the ATO, as well as having previously been the strategic, technical and compliance leader for many of the ATO’s audit programs. Bruce led a range of superannuation-focused review and audit programs targeting private group and tax planning issues. Since leaving the ATO, Bruce has been assisting clients with many ATO reviews and audits, including many focusing on superannuation compliance concerns and remedial solutions for members/trustees.
Bruce has an Accounting Certificate (1989), a First-Class Honours Degree in Law (1995), a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (1996), a Masters of Taxation (2003) and a Masters of International Taxation (2006). Bruce is a Chartered Tax Advisor with the Tax Institute, a member of the Law Society of NSW, a member of the AICD and is both a member of the Law Council of Australia, their Tax Committee and is the current Chair of the SME Business Law Committee.
Principal Solicitor,
Tax Controversy Partners
Bryce Figot
Bryce is recognised as one of Australia’s leading SMSF lawyers. He has worked predominantly in the fields of tax and superannuation since 2001 and holds a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne.
Bryce is a regular seminar presenter on tax and SMSF topics and has published extensively in these areas. Bryce regularly presents for the major professional bodies including the SMSF Association, CPA Australia The Tax Institute, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and DBA Network.
Bryce is regularly quoted and published in the Australian Financial Review, the Herald Sun, CCH and LexisNexis publications, and elsewhere in the financial press. Bryce wrote the book Complete Guide to SMSFs: Planning for Loss of Capacity and Death, published by CCH Wolters Kluwer. Bryce is on the editorial panel of LexisNexis’ Australian Superannuation Law Bulletin. He is a Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Law School, where he is the subject coordinator of Taxation of Superannuation Bryce is a Specialist SMSF Advisor™ as well as being a Chartered Tax Adviser.
Special Counsel,
DBA Lawyers
Clinton Jackson
As a partner in Cooper Grace Ward’s commercial team, Clinton advises his clients on an extensive range of commercial and corporate matters, business mergers, acquisitions and sales, tax and structuring issues, self-managed superannuation, asset protection and succession, restructuring and exit strategies.
Clinton’s unique range of expertise enables him to assist his clients with both their personal and business legal issues and to advise through all phases of the business/investment lifecycle – from start up, growth, expansion, transition and exit.
Clinton has been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in Australia in the practice areas of Superannuation Law and Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice and is an accredited specialist superannuation adviser with the SMSF Association and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Partner,
Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
Colin Jowell
Founder and CEO, BillWill; Principal, Good Behaviour
Colin Jowell applies behavioural science to the decisions people find hardest: what to do with their money, their time and their legacy. He is the founder of BillWill, an Australian life organisation platform that saves families hundreds of stressful hours in the event of death or incapacity, now offered by more than 100 firms. He is also principal of Good Behaviour, a consultancy bringing behavioural science into professional services.
He holds an MSc in Behavioural Science from the London School of Economics, where his research paper “Can Planning for Death Make You Happier?” surveyed more than 1,000 Australians on death planning and trust. He is an AMDRAS-accredited mediator and collaboratively trained coach for wills and estates matters.
Colin speaks regularly on behavioural science and ethics for the advice profession and delivers accredited ethics CPD for the financial advice, legal and SMSF sectors. His earlier career was in brand, marketing and client experience, specialising in financial services and advice.
Founder,
BillWill
Craig Day
Craig is Head of Technical Services at Colonial First State, with more than 25 years’ experience in financial services.
Craig’s team provides high-quality technical support to financial advisers and supports the CFS Edge and FirstChoice platform businesses.
Craig is a sought-after presenter at industry conferences and professional development events. He delivers specialist adviser education and lectures at the Australian Graduate School of Management.
Craig holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Taxation (Financial Planning). He is also a Specialist Adviser and Fellow of the SMSF Association.
Head of Technical Services,
Colonial First State
Craig Stone
Craig Stone is an Adelaide-based SMSF specialist and General Manager – Education & Technical Services at SuperConcepts.
He has been helping SMSF trustees and accountants across Australia for almost three decades, drawing on senior roles at leading accounting firms.
Craig understands the whole SMSF journey, from setting up a fund, to managing contributions and pensions, right through to winding it up when appropriate.
His approach is simple: take complex super rules and explain them in a clear, practical way so trustees can make confident decisions.
General Manager – Education & Technical Services,
SuperConcepts
Daniel Butler
Dan is recognised as one of Australia’s leading SMSF lawyers complemented by his taxation and commercial expertise. He has worked predominantly in the fields of tax and superannuation over the past 43 years, is a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser.
Dan presents on the subject of Taxation of Superannuation at the University of Melbourne’s Master of Laws/Tax program. Dan is also a regular seminar presenter on tax and SMSF topics and has published extensively in these areas. Dan regularly presents for numerous professional bodies including the SMSF Association, The Tax Institute and DBA Network.
Dan is a member of The Tax Institute’s National Superannuation Committee, the Law Institute of Victoria’s Tax Committee and is involved with a number of other tax and SMSF committees. Dan is also a Specialist SMSF Advisor™.
Lawyer,
DBA Lawyers
David Busoli
David is the Principal of SMSF Alliance, a national SMSF administration and compliance firm with a particular focus on the needs of financial planners.
He has been involved in financial services since before SMSFs existed and has a wide range of practical experience in accounting, tax advice, financial planning, stock broking, mortgage broking, investment advising and as a dealer principal. He’s specialised in SMSF compliance & administration, strategic advice, deed construction and education since 1994. He was one of the earliest members of the FAAA and a foundation member of the SMSF Association of which he is a Fellow.
His firm is a leading provider of SMSF administration services, primarily to financial planners, enhanced by an array of innovative calculators, modelling tools and educational resources, including a free SMSF fundamentals course, appropriate for new team members and direct trustees. He enjoys helping advisers create a material difference to their client outcomes by process innovation, application of strategic planning, education and problem resolution.
Principal,
SMSF Alliance
Dr Evan Morris
Dr Evan Morrison is Head of the Innovation Lab at HUB24. He is passionate about lifelong learning and designing bold, innovative systems that open new ways to communicate and to work more efficiently. Dr Evan completed his PhD in Computer Science, in 2015 where his research and applied interests are in Artificial Intelligence applied to Financial Process Management, he obtained an eMBA in 2025. He has given presentations on his research around world and at many events in Australia. Dr Evan’s research is published top academic journals in the areas of Services Science, Service-Oriented Computing, Conceptual and Business Process Modelling with over 200 academic citations. Dr Evan has been active on several other fronts: a member of the Executive of the Australian Service Science Society, director and a founding member of the Australian AI Society, and a member of the Financial Services Council working group for Innovation.
Head of Innovation Lab,
Class
Fraser Stead
Fraser Stead is a lawyer at DBA Lawyers. He primarily works in trust, superannuation, and taxation law. He has been featured several times in the Tax Institute’s Taxation in Australia journal. Prior to beginning his career as a lawyer, he worked in legal education. He holds a degree in political science from the University of California Los Angeles and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne.
Lawyer,
DBA Lawyers
Jacob Kewley
Jacob Kewley is a Director of Tactical Super, a specialist SMSF audit firm. A Registered SMSF Auditor and Chartered Accountant, Jacob has spent over a decade in the SMSF audit space and is deeply invested in exploring how technology and automation can raise the floor on what is possible from the annual audit. Jacob brings particular depth of experience in auditing digital asset holdings and takes a year-round approach to client support, helping firms stay ahead of compliance obligations well beyond audit season. He’s always happy to talk shop, whether that’s audit workflow, crypto procedures, or where the industry is headed.
Director,
Tactical Super
Jemma Sanderson
Jemma Sanderson is a Director of Cooper Partners Financial Services, heading up their SMSF specialist services. Jemma is a recognised industry expert, and is a regular presenter on superannuation and SMSFs for the industry bodies across Australia. Jemma is the author of the popular publication “SMSF Guide”, published by the Taxation Institute, and the author and convener of the Taxation Institute’s Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law Advanced Superannuation Unit. Jemma received the Chairman’s Award for her contribution to the SMSF industry at the 2017 conference, and in 2024 received a Community Service Award from the Tax Institute for her contribution to the tax industry.
Director,
Cooper Partners Financial Services Pty Ltd
John Perri
John Perri is a Technical Manager in the SMSF Association Technical team.
He joined this specialist team in 2025, and it provides a range of technical resources and support to its members, designed to keep them up to date with the latest legislation, regulations and strategies.
John has a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accountancy and Management Studies), is a CPA and has a Diploma of Financial Planning.
Prior to joining the SMSF Association, he spent 30 years in senior technical roles with AMP providing technical support to financial planners, 4 years with Connelly Temple, 3 years with St George Bank, and 3 years with the Australian Taxation Office.
Prior to joining Connelly Temple, John was a director of a company which administered and promoted self-managed superannuation funds.
In the past 43 years, John has conducted hundreds of technical presentations to financial planners and accountants both in Australia and overseas.
Technical Manager,
SMSF Association
Katie Timms
Katie Timms is a director at RSM Australia, and is currently the National Director of SMSF Services. She has significant experience in all areas of SMSFs, including administration and compliance, asset acquisition and tax saving strategies, structural assistance and estate planning. Katie provides advice and assistance to Trustees, accountants and financial advisors. Katie regularly provides technical presentations and updates for the groups including SMSF Association, Institute of Public Accountants, the Tax Institute of Australia, Legalwise and TV Ed, and has also presented for the QLD Law Society and the Australian Shareholders Association. She has been published in the Australian Financial Review, the West Australian and Farm Weekly. Katie is a SMSF Specialist Advisor and a Certified Practicing Accountant with an Advanced Diploma of Superannuation.
Partner,
RSM Australia
Karen Bird
Dr Karen Bird is a practising lawyer and clinical neuropsychologist whose long career spans public health and private practice. She holds a Doctorate in Psychology as well as degrees in Education, Arts (Hons) and Law. After holding senior roles in public hospitals, she developed a rewarding dual career in clinical and legal practice. Her work focuses on decision-making capacity, and she brings extensive experience as an expert witness before courts and VCAT. As Deputy Co-Chair of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Elder Law Committee, Karen is deeply committed to addressing elder abuse and disadvantage and to building greater awareness of abuse prevention across the legal and financial services sector.
Lawyer and Clinical Neuropsychologist,
Neurolegal
Justine Marquet
Justine Marquet is Head of Technical Services at HUB24, where she helps financial advisers and other professionals navigate an increasingly complex advice environment.
With deep expertise across superannuation, retirement, taxation, SMSFs, wealth and financial advice, Justine brings a practical and strategic lens to technical issues. She is passionate about looking beyond the rules to uncover the advice strategies, opportunities and considerations that matter for clients.
Known for making complex concepts accessible and relevant, Justine’s focus is on helping financial professionals turn technical knowledge into confident conversations, better advice strategies, and better client outcomes.
HUB24
Leah Sciacca
Leah leads ASIC’s Financial Advice and Investment Management team within the Regulation and Supervision group. The team oversees the regulatory work associated with financial advisers, advice licensees, managed investment schemes, wholesale funds, platforms and managed discretionary accounts. Prior to this role, Leah was ASIC’s Senior Executive Leader, Financial Advisers.
Leah has more than 13 years of regulatory experience and has worked on significant policy and enforcement initiatives. Leah is focused on improving access to good quality affordable advice and working to address conduct in the advice and investment management sectors that leads to poor consumer outcomes. Prior to joining ASIC, Leah was a practising financial adviser for over 10 years, representing several Australian financial services licensees and providing personal advice to retail clients. Leah holds a degree in Business from the Queensland University of Technology as well as a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate Governance.
ASIC
Keddie Waller
Keddie Waller is the Head of Professional Standards at the SMSF Association, where she leads the Association’s professional standards and governance initiatives. She has worked in the financial services sector for more than 20 years and has extensive experience across professional standards, financial services regulation, self-managed superannuation funds, governance, compliance and regulatory reform.
Keddie is responsible for the development and oversight of the Association’s professional standards framework, including codes of conduct, quality assurance programs, compliance frameworks and disciplinary processes. She also contributes to the Association’s policy and advocacy work, regularly engaging with government, regulators and industry stakeholders on issues affecting SMSFs, financial advice, professional standards and regulatory reform.
She is committed to strengthening professionalism, improving consumer outcomes, and supporting a trusted, sustainable and well-regulated SMSF sector.
Head of Professional Standards,
SMSF Association
Lee-Ann Hayes
Lee-Ann is a respected tax professional with 25 years’ experience in Australian taxation law. Her varied roles include training, content creation and advice, giving her extensive practical experience in the daily tax issues faced by practitioners.
Lee-Ann’s taxation journey began at the Australian Taxation Office where she held various technical and education positions. From there Lee-Ann has worked in both public practice and for several national training organisations. She has extensive experience in developing and delivering tax education to a wide and varied audience, including graduate accountants, big four accounting firms and professional associations.
Renowned for her enthusiastic, approachable and engaging presentation style, Lee-Ann has a strong practical focus, ensuring effective learning outcomes are always achieved.
When not at work Lee-Ann can be found on the netball court, on a run, or in the great outdoors with her family.
Head of Education,
TaxBanter
Leigh Mansell
Leigh is Director SMSF Technical & Education Services with Heffron, a company committed to raising standards within the SMSF industry.
Leigh specialises in providing technical advice on superannuation matters to individuals, and the accounting and financial planning industries. She regularly prepares papers and presentations for many accounting firms and professional bodies around Australia.
Leigh has over 35 years’ experience in superannuation and has specialised in self managed funds for over 25 years including administration/providing advice and education on superannuation matters/superannuation compliance issues/developments within the self managed superannuation arena to individuals, accountants, financial advisers and other self managed superannuation practitioners. This gives her a unique ability to advise not only on the technical issues, but also practical solutions.
Leigh is also a Fellow SMSF Specialist Advisor of the SMSF Association.
Director SMSF Technical & Education Services, Heffron Consulting Pty Ltd
Liz Westover
Liz Westover is currently Principal of Westover Advisory. With extensive experience in superannuation, she has strong capabilities on the technical and practical application of superannuation and associated tax laws. She is a regular commentator on superannuation and self-managed super funds (SMSFs), having presented and authored articles on these and related issues for many years.
Liz has been involved in superannuation policy development and advocacy, regularly liaising and consulting with Government, regulators and stakeholders on technical, legislative and policy matters.
Up until May 2026, she was a Partner at Deloitte where she was responsible for the firm’s SMSF service offering, providing compliance and advisory services to the firm’s clients. She was previously Head of Superannuation with Chartered Accountants ANZ and over her career, has held roles with a number of other Chartered Accounting firms.
She is a Fellow Chartered Accountant, Fellow of The Tax Institute, CA SMSF specialist and holds a Master of Legal Studies from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Business from the University of South Australia.
Principal,
Westover Advisory
Louise Biti
Louise Biti MTax, BEc, BA(AS), Dip FP, CFP®, SSATM, FAAA Aged Care Specialist TM
Louise is the co-founder and Director of Aged Care Steps, a leading provider of aged care advice solutions, dedicated to empowering financial advisers with the knowledge, tools and confidence to deliver expert aged care advice.
With over 30 years of experience, Louise has been at the forefront of shaping the role of financial advisers in aged care planning. She has played a pivotal role in educating the profession, raising awareness of the importance of aged care advice and helping advisers navigate the complexities of legislation and financial strategies.
Widely recognised for her technical expertise and ability to make complex issues accessible, Louise is a respected educator, commentator and advocate for better aged care financial planning.
Louise has served on the Boards of the Financial Advice Association Australia (formerly FPA) and SMSF Association and was a member of the Aged Care Financing Authority, a former Australian Government statutory body.
Director,
Aged Care Steps
Lyn Formica
Lyn Formica is the Head of Education & Content with Heffron, a company committed to raising standards within the SMSF industry. Lyn’s passion is helping individuals and their advisers navigate their way through the complexity of Australia’s retirement income system through education.
She regularly speaks on superannuation and SMSFs for accounting and finance professionals and other industry bodies around Australia. With over 30 years’ experience in superannuation and the administration of self managed funds, Lyn is also an accredited SMSF Specialist Advisor of the SMSF Association.
Head of Education & Content,
Heffron Consulting Pty Ltd
Mark Ellem
Mark generally needs no introduction in the SMSF space, he is a popular, experienced and highly sought after presenter who is passionate about educating accountants and SMSF practitioners about SMSFs and strategies to make SMSFs a successful part of their business.
He has extensive experience in Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs), Pension Funds, Income Tax and Financial Advisory. He is a Fellow of the CPA, IPA and SMSF Association, and received the 2018 SMSF Association CEO award in February 2019 for his contribution to the association and was in the inaugural group of association members to advance to the status of Fellow in February 2020.
Along with Mark’s regular appearances presenting at national SMSF conferences, he also heads up Accurium’s online education and presents webinars and webclasses to provide an online interactive learning experience providing CPD hours. He regularly composes content, FAQs and CPD assessments for the Accurium TechHub. He provides in-house training to a number of organisations and can provide bespoke training to suit the needs of your organisation.
Mark frequently delivers editorial contributions and provides comment for the media, and has been featured in popular trade media including selfmanagedsuperannuation and SMSF Adviser.
He has spent over 30 years in accounting practices and SMSF administration companies, including running his own accountancy practice and SMSF administration and compliance advice company for ten years.
Mark is a member of the Austin Motor Vehicle Club of Queensland and enjoys driving his classic Austin cars, a 1968 Austin 1800 Mk1 and a 1955 Austin A50 Cambridge, when they’re running and working on them (when they’re not).
Accurium
Meg Heffron
Meg Heffron is one of Australia’s leading SMSF experts, with more than 30 years’ experience turning complex superannuation rules into practical insights for financial professionals and their clients.
A qualified actuary, Meg co-founded Heffron in 1998 and has worked across virtually every area of SMSF practice, including administration, actuarial services, technical support and education.
Meg is best known for cutting through complex legislation and explaining what it means in practice. She is a regular contributor to the Australian Financial Review and leading SMSF publications, a trusted voice with government and regulators, and a sought-after speaker widely recognised for making even the most complicated superannuation issues clear, relevant and engaging.
Recognised for her clear and pragmatic approach, Shelley is a regular speaker and industry commentator who distils complex legislation into insights SMSF professionals can apply in practice.
Managing Director,
Heffron Consulting Pty Ltd
Melanie Dunn
Melanie is Principal and Senior Actuary at Accurium. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and an SMSF Specialist Adviser with nearly 20 years’ experience in our superannuation team. She is passionate about providing services to assist professionals and institutions efficiently and effectively deliver superior retirement outcomes to their clients. Melanie is chair of the SMSF Association Tasmanian Chapter and Actuaries Institute SMSF sub-committee and is a member of the Actuaries Institute Superannuation and Investments Practice Committee. She has extensive knowledge and experience in superannuation and retirement and is a regular presenter at industry leading conferences.
Principal, Head of Actuarial,
Accurium
Naomi Kewley
Naomi is the managing director at Peak Super Audits, an SMSF audit firm. A Chartered Accountant and Tax Masters graduate from the University of NSW, Naomi made an early career decision to specialise in SMSF compliance. She has loved it ever since and is the recipient of several awards, including the Women in Finance Auditor of the Year and the Australian Accounting Awards Superannuation Auditor of the Year. Naomi enjoys assisting accountants & trustees in understanding their obligations within the evolving landscape of SMSF compliance. She is an educator in the SMSF space, writing and presenting on all SMSF related matters.
Managing Director,
Peak Super Audits
Paul Derham
As the Managing Partner in one of Australia’s leading financial services law firms, Paul provides legal and compliance services to global and local financial services businesses. This includes some of the world’s (and Australia’s) largest CFDs brokers, crypto exchanges, crypto earn providers, crypto futures providers and blockchain-driven and TradFi payments operators.
Paul works with clients who want to roll out traditional derivatives or payments offerings, as well as digital-asset offerings. He chairs the Board of Australia’s leading digital asset industry body – the Digital Economy Council of Australia, and also works closely with other industry bodies, including IDAXA, FAAA, AFA and SIAA, presenting at conferences and contributing to working groups which typically focus on raising standards and delivering ethical outcomes.
Managing Partner,
Holley Nethercote Lawyers, Digital Economy Council of Australia
Peter Burgess
Peter Burgess is the Chief Executive Officer of the SMSF Association. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Peter held the position of Deputy CEO / Director of Policy & Education with the Association and is a former Association Board member.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Peter is recognised as an authority on SMSF matters and policy design. He is a widely published author and media commentator on SMSFs, and is regularly sought for comment on the latest policy and sector developments. Through his contribution to the development of SMSF education standards, his government advocacy work and his commitment to thought leadership, Peter has dedicated much of his career to improving SMSF advice competency standards and the professionalism of the SMSF sector.
Peter is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), a Fellow of the SMSF Association (FSSA), and holds an MBA from the University of Adelaide, along with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and postgraduate qualifications in Finance. In 2016, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the SMSF sector, Peter was awarded the SMSF Association’s Chairman’s Award. In June 2021, Peter achieved Fellow Member status with the SMSF Association, recognising his significant commitment, leadership and contribution to both the Association and the SMSF sector.
CEO,
SMSF Association
Scott Hay-Bartlem
Scott is a partner in Brisbane law firm Cooper Grace Ward and the Chair of the SMSF
Association.
He and his team specialise in assisting clients and their other advisers including
accountants and financial planners with tax and superannuation (particularly SMSFs)
advice; estate planning, administration and disputes; family businesses, business
structuring; business succession arrangements; asset protection and restructuring. Scott has a particular interest in how these areas intersect with self-managed superannuation funds and the impact of and on these structures.
He is the Chair of the SMSF Association, having joined its board in July 2019. Scott is a
SMSF Specialist Advisor™ with and a Fellow of the SMSF Association, a Chartered Tax
Adviser, a member of the Society of Trust and Estate practitioners. Scott chairs the Cooper
Grace Ward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Group and its ARCUS sub-group, and is the
leader of the firm’s Private Client Commercial group.
Scott been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in Australia for a number of
years in the practice areas of: Superannuation Law, Trusts and Estates, Wealth
Management / Succession Planning Practice and Commercial Law. He was named the
2016 Brisbane Wealth Management/Succession Planning practice ‘Lawyer of the Year’ and the Superannuation ‘Lawyer of the Year’ for 2019, 2022 and 2024.
Scott has been listed as a pre-eminent practitioner in Queensland in Doyles Guide for High Net Worth Wealth & Succession Planning Lawyers and a Leading Wills, Estates & Succession Planning Lawyer..
He has a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Business (Accy) from the Queensland University of Technology. Scott also has also completed the Certificate of Superannuation Management and the Diploma of Superannuation Management run through ASFA and Macquarie University, and the Foundation Diploma of Financial Planning
Partner,
Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers
Shelley Banton
Shelley Banton is a Director at Super Clarity and an SMSF specialist adviser and auditor with over two decades’ experience across superannuation, compliance, technical education and risk management.
Shelley supports accountants, advisers, and auditors navigating an increasingly complex SMSF regulatory environment. Her work focuses on practical compliance solutions, robust risk-management frameworks and technical education that helps SMSF professionals make confident, well-supported decisions.
Recognised for her clear and pragmatic approach, Shelley is a regular speaker and industry commentator who distils complex legislation into insights SMSF professionals can apply in practice.
Director,
Super Clarity
Shirley Schaefer
Shirley Schaefer is one of the Superannuation leaders at BDO, an auditor by training and a SMSF expert by choice. Shirley’s passion for all things super is well known. She has been working in the super space for over 30 years and is an expert in all things SMSF. Shirley is a regular speaker at superannuation, SMSF and Audit conferences. She provides SMSF competency training for accountants and auditors and is the co-author of the Thomson Reuters SMSF Audit Guide.
Tim is a Fellow SMSF Specialist Adviser with the SMSF Association, and a former recipient of the Associations CEO’s Award for his contribution to the SMSF industry. In his spare time Tim is heavily involved in sports administration, often travelling overseas as volunteer at International Korfball events, something he has been doing for over 20 years.
Tenille Ireland
Tenille is a Partner in the Superannuation team at BDO in Adelaide and has more than 20 years’ experience in the accounting industry. For over 17 years, she has specialised in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), developing extensive experience across SMSF compliance, accounting and taxation.
Tenille is passionate about helping clients navigate the complexities of superannuation and achieve their retirement goals. She focuses on understanding each client’s unique circumstances and objectives, and works closely with financial advisers to support the implementation of tailored superannuation strategies and advice.
Partner,
BDO
Tim Miller
Tim is the SMSF Technical & Education Manager at Smarter SMSF, he is a well-known figure within the SMSF industry, having worked in numerous technical and education roles over his 25+ year industry journey. He has aided in the accreditation and ongoing professional development of thousands of SMSF professionals by delivering more CPD training over 20 years than he’d care to remember!
Tim is a Fellow SMSF Specialist Adviser with the SMSF Association, and a former recipient of the Associations CEO’s Award for his contribution to the SMSF industry. In his spare time Tim is heavily involved in sports administration, often travelling overseas as volunteer at International Korfball events, something he has been doing for over 20 years.
SMSF Technical & Education Manager,
Smarter SMSF
Tony Negline
Tony is Superannuation and Financial Services Leader at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a position he has held since November 2015. Tony has over 35 years’ experience in the financial services industry.
Tony is a Chartered Accountant and CA SMSF Specialist and is a Fellow SMSF Specialist Adviser of the SMSF Association.