Liam Shorte brings practical knowledge to SMSF Association board

The SMSF Association has appointed Liam Shorte, an SMSF Specialist Advisor™ and Financial Planner with his firm Verante Financial Planning, to its Board.

Shorte, who has chaired the Association’s NSW Local Community since 2015 and is a member of the Magnitude Advisory Committee, will join the Board on 1 September 2018.

He will replace Andrew Gale, who is stepping down after being a Board member since 2012, including chairman for two years between February 2016 and 2018.

SMSF Association chairperson Professor Deborah Ralston says: “It was a carefully considered choice to appoint Liam. His practical knowledge of the sector derived over many years from dealing directly with clients will be of enormous value to the Board, the Association, and the wider SMSF community.

“Liam has established a deserved reputation as an expert in this field. His blog, The SMSF Coach, which helps break down strategies and industry jargon into plain English for SMSF trustees, has a keen following.”
Ralston also paid tribute to Andrew Gale’s contribution to the Association over the past six years.

“Andrew’s lead as a strong and effective chairman of the Board, his contribution to strategic thinking for the Association, oversight of a smooth CEO succession, and service through the Public Policy Committee has been highly appreciated.”

Shorte, who has a Bachelor of Business majoring in accounting and economics, boasts 27 years’ experience in financial services, having worked in Ireland, the UK and the Middle East before moving to Australia in 2001. His experience and knowledge comes from working in banking, insurance, accounting and financial planning firms before starting his own business in 2006.

Liam, who was awarded SMSF and accounting professional of the year – NSW metropolitan in the SMSF and Accounting Awards, says he is delighted to join the Association’s Board.

“Having joined the Association in 2008, I appreciate its enormous contribution to the policy and technical debates in the SMSF sector, as well as recognising the genuine regard it is held in Canberra for its positive contribution, and I look forward to adding my voice to this collective effort.

“In particular, I am hoping that the practical lessons I have learnt since establishing my own SMSF business will afford me the opportunity to bring a practitioner’s perspective and insights to the Board.”