Member Conduct & Discipline - SMSF Association

Overview of the SMSF Association's Member Conduct & Discipline Standards

The SMSF Association is a self-regulating professional association whose members voluntarily agree to be bound by various professional, technical and ethical standards.

Membership of the SMSF Association requires a professional to conduct himself/herself in a professional, business-like manner at all times. The SMSF Association Code of Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures (‘the Code’) details the expected minimum acceptable professional standards applicable to all SMSF Association members.

The SMSF Association has an obligation to consider complaints against members for misconduct strictly within the terms of its Constitution and the Code. It is important to note that this process is not a legal process, but rather an internal process to determine whether a member has breached any of the major principles contained in the Code and the impact such conduct may have on their continued membership.

Our process deals with complaints relating to professional standards only, not commercial disputes.

The SMSF Association has no legal capacity to make awards for damages or restitution of property. If you are seeking such resolution then you should seek legal advice.

In addition to the Code of Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures mentioned above, those members that hold the SMSF Specialist Auditor (SSAud) designation are required to comply with the SMSF Association Standards of Professional Conduct for SMSF Specialist Auditors.

Cases before the courts

Where a matter which is the subject of a formal complaint against a member is also before the courts, the SMSF Association will suspend further consideration of the complaint until the court process is concluded. This is done to ensure our investigation process is not used to influence any legal action nor prejudice the legal process.

The complaint process

If you intend lodging a complaint to the SMSF Association, we recommend you first contact us to determine whether the individual is a member of the SMSF Association.

The SMSF Association will only accept a signed written complaint where the identity of the complainant is provided. We will not accept anonymous complaints. In addition, a complaint will not be accepted and investigated unless all information requested is provided including documentation in support of the complaint.

The complaint process is based on full transparency for both the complainant and the member. This requires that a full copy of the complaint be provided to the member for comment. Any replies from both the member and the complainant are provided to the other party.

The time taken to investigate a complaint will vary depending on a number of factors including response times, complexity of the complaint and whether or not legal or other external action is also taken.

You will be notified in writing of the outcome of your complaint.

Submitting your complaint

Complaints may be made by any person and are to be made by completing the Member Complaint Form below

The PDF can be completed electronically, or printed and filled out by hand before being emailed or mailed to the contact details located on the form. If completing the form electronically, ensure you save the completed form before Adobe Acrobat will permit you to email it to the SMSF Association.

Please forward your completed complaint form and all supporting documentation to:

complaints@smsfassociation.com

Complaints Officer
SMSF Association
PO Box 3296
RUNDLE MALL SA 5000.

Privacy statement

The information (as defined by the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)) you provide to the SMSF Association in relation to your complaint will be used to investigate your complaint and in any SMSF Association disciplinary proceedings.

The SMSF Association may disclose the information in relation to the complaint to:

The member who is the subject of the complaint and their representative where applicable
The SMSF Association Professional Standards Committee and any SMSF Association staff involved in the disciplinary process
Statutory or regulatory bodies as required by law
Other professional bodies of which the member may also be a member

Click here for more information on the SMSF Association’s Privacy Policy.

SMSF Association Complaints Register

The following provides statistics of the nature of complaints brought against members of the SMSF Association, and actions taken against those members. The statistics are recorded on the basis of a Membership Year of 1 April to 31 March.

Nature of Complaint

The table below records the nature of complaints brought against members of the SMSF Association. The nature of complaints have been categorised into 6 categories, with the number of complaints recorded in each particular category in the relevant membership years.

Nature of Complaint	2025/2026	2024/2025	2023/2024	2022/2023
Criminal Conviction
Statutory offence bringing discredit to a member, association or profession			1	1
Failure to observe proper standard or professional care, skill and competence		3
Breach of Association Branding policy
Breach of Association Code of Conduct and Rules	1	2	10
Other

Action taken by the SMSF Association

Action taken by the SMSF Association	2025/2026	2024/2025	2023/2024	2022/2023
Cancellation of Membership	1	4	10	1
Suspension of Specialist designation of Membership for a defined period		1
Reprimand
Practice review
No action required			1
Other
Investigation ongoing			1

Determinations and Sanctions

The SMSF Association Constitution provides for the suspension or cancellation of membership in certain circumstances.

Suspension of Membership

Membership (in all categories) is suspended if the Member:

no longer satisfies any one or more of the conditions of membership
has supplied false or misleading information in connection with their membership
suffers an insolvency event
is subject to an investigation by ASIC that may give rise to a ban from providing financial services
is charged with an offence involving theft, fraud, deception, forgery, evasion, dishonesty or similar offence
experiences suspension or cancellation of membership of a recognised professional or industry body for alleged misconduct
in the opinion of the Board, conducts them-self in a manner that might be prejudicial to the interests, objects or reputation of the Association

Cancellation of Membership

Membership (in all categories) is cancelled if the Member:

is declared bankrupt
is banned by ASIC from providing financial services, managing a corporation or like penalty
is convicted of an offence involving theft, fraud, deception, forgery, evasion, dishonesty or similar offence
has been suspended and in the opinion of the Board, it is appropriate to cancel their membership
has been suspended for a period of twelve (12) months or longer period as the Board may determine

Current Determinations and Sanctions

Member Name	Member ID	Member Category	Effective Date	Breach	Action/Sanction
Member Name Supressed	Member ID 50414	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 29/04/2025	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 5.3 Failure to notify Association of circumstances affecting membership	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Supressed	Member ID 43893	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 28/01/2025	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Supressed	Member ID 11135	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 28/01/2025	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Chris Betalli	Member ID 22124	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 10/07/2024	Breach SMSFA Constitution – Clause 10.2.1.3	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 10212	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 24/04/2024	Breach Breach of Code – • Competence	Action/Sanction Suspension of Specialist designations
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 22590	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 23/04/2024	Breach Breach of Code – • Integrity • Competence • Ethical Behaviour	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 56184	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 30/01/2024	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 49453	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 30/01/2024	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 11538	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 30/01/2024	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 11034	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 30/01/2024	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 17444	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 30/01/2024	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 15862	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 13/11/2023	Breach Breach of Constitution – Clause 5.3	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 10718	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 19/10/2023	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 4 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 47091	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 18/10/2023	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 11030	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 18/10/2023	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 11882	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 06/04/2023	Breach No longer “fit & proper” person	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Tadeh Karamian	Member ID 57630	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 16/03/2023	Breach ASIC Banning Order – 23-067MR	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 11149	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 12108	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 16204	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 16634	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 17610	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 41697	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 16517	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 22647	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Supressed	Member ID 19751	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 10/02/2023	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 46858	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 16/03/2022	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 50117	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 16/03/2022	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 10132	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 16/03/2022	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 20594	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 16/03/2022	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 48976	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 16/03/2022	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 10579	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 16/03/2022	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 19849	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 07/12/2021	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 20405	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 07/12/2021	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Suspension of SSA designation
Member Name Monica Kaur	Member ID 40055	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 21/10/2021	Breach SMSFA Constitution – clause 10.2.1.5	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 13839	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 21/10/2021	Breach TPB Disciplinary action	Action/Sanction Suspension of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 11115	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 13/04/2021	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 10948	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 13/04/2021	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 19849	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 13/04/2021	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Suspension of SSAud designation
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 15247	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 13/04/2021	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Suspension of SSAud designation
Member Name Monica Kaur	Member ID 40055	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 05/01/2021	Breach ASIC Media Release – 20-341MR	Action/Sanction Suspension of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 16357	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 01/09/2020	Breach Breach of Code	Action/Sanction Suspension of SSA designation
Member Name Bimaljeet Sekhon	Member ID 19894	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 02/06/2020	Breach ASIC Banning Order – 20-111MR	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 21915	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 03/06/2020	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Failure to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 10187	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 07/04/2020	Breach Breach of Constitution – Clause 10.1.1.8	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 22998	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 03/03/2020	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 22627	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 03/03/2020	Breach Breach of Code – Clause 6.5 Refused to complete QRP	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Neil Evans	Member ID 21504	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 04/09/2019	Breach ASIC Banning Order 19-165MR	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 10645	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 06/05/2019	Breach Insolvency event	Action/Sanction Suspension of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 10052	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 19/03/2019	Breach Breach of Code: • Safeguard the public interest • Integrity • Objectivity & independence • Ethical Behaviour	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 42974	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 19/03/2019	Breach No longer “fit & proper” person	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 18118	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 19/03/2019	Breach Breach of Code: • Safeguard the public interest • Integrity • Competence • Ethical Behaviour	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 23048	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 19/03/2019	Breach Breach of Code: • Integrity • Competence • Ethical Behaviour	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 23333	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 17/12/2018	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 20345	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 17/12/2018	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 15776	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 17/12/2018	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Kelly Howard	Member ID 41579	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 12/09/2018	Breach Criminal conviction for fraud and theft	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name James Cribb	Member ID 19736	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 19/07/2018	Breach ASIC Banning Order 18-212MR	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 41156	Member Category Associate	Effective Date 07/05/2018	Breach ASIC Disqualification Order 18-097MR	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name Suppressed	Member ID 20751	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 15/01/2018	Breach Failed to meet CPD obligations for 3 consecutive years	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership
Member Name James Gibbs	Member ID 16123	Member Category Specialist	Effective Date 01/12/2016	Breach Criminal conviction for theft and dishonesty	Action/Sanction Cancellation of membership