The Institute of Financial Professionals Australia invites you to the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, a two-day event designed to strengthen your practice and secure your future in an evolving financial services landscape.

With expert-led education, tailored learning streams, and unparalleled networking, this is where independent professionals come together to build resilience, share ideas, and unlock growth opportunities.

Exclusive Benefit for Annual Platinum Members

Valued annual Platinum members, are entitled to a complimentary ticket to this flagship event, allowing them to experience the full conference at no additional cost-just one of the many premium benefits of Platinum Membership.

To ensure seamless event planning, Platinum members must still register for the event to confirm attendance for capacity and catering purposes. A separate email with a unique 100% discount code, which must be applied during registration on the conference website will be sent to these members.

WHY ATTEND?

18+ CPD Hours Across Core Professional Areas

Earn more than 18 CPD hours across sessions covering legislated areas, including:

  • Professionalism and Ethics
  • Client Care and Practice
  • Regulatory Compliance and Consumer Protection
  • Tax (Financial) Advice
  • Technical Competence

Two Curated Learning Streams

Choose from two focused content tracks to shape your experience:

  1. Technical Mastery – Deep dives into tax, superannuation, and financial advice.
  2. Practice Growth & Innovation – Strategies for marketing, operations, and sustainable business growth.

All delegates will also receive post-event access to recordings from both streams, ensuring you can complete your CPD and revisit content at your own pace.

Beyond Knowledge: Build a Stronger, Brighter Future

Across two days, gain practical insights from leading industry voices, learn how to navigate change and seize opportunities, and uncover actionable strategies to future-proof your practice.

Unrivalled Networking & Connection

From dedicated networking breaks and workshops to the Expo Hall and our first-night Networking Dinner, you’ll make the connections that matter with fellow professionals, providers, and thought leaders shaping the industry.

Join us for the premier gathering of independent tax, accounting, superannuation, and financial advice professionals in 2026. Leave equipped with the skills, strategies, and relationships you need to build a stronger practice and a brighter future.

REGISTER HERE
DAY 1

19 March 2026

In Person Prices

$440+gst MEMBER

$550+gst NON MEMBER

Register for Day 1 In Person Tickets

Online Prices

$380+gst MEMBER

$530+gst NON MEMBER

Register for Day 1 Online Tickets
DAY 2

20 March 2026

In Person Prices

$440+gst MEMBER

$550+gst NON MEMBER

Register for Day 2 In Person Tickets

Online Prices

$380+gst MEMBER

$530+gst NON MEMBER

Register for Day 2 Online Tickets
BOTH DAYS

19 – 20 March 2026

In Person Prices

$650+gst | $750+gst MEMBER

$800+gst | $900+gst NON MEMBER

Register for In Person Tickets

Online Prices

$500+gst | $600+gst MEMBER

$650+gst | $750+gst NON MEMBER

Register for Online Tickets

AGENDA

DAY 1

19 March 2026

Streams

PLENARY

TAX

FINANCIAL SERVICES

8:45 – 9:00 am

MC intro and President’s welcome

9:00 – 10:15 am

Legislation and regulations update

Natasha Panagis & Joshua Goldsmith

The tax, superannuation and financial services landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. In this session, our technical team will walk you through the latest legislative and regulatory developments impacting the profession. You will gain practical insights into how these changes may affect your practice and your clients, helping you stay informed, compliant and prepared for what lies ahead.

10:15 – 10:40 am

MORNING  TEA

10:40 – 11:40 am

ATO focus areas for SMEs and individuals

Joshua Goldsmith

This one-hour session outlines the ATO focus areas most likely to attract scrutiny for SMEs and individuals, and the practical steps practitioners should take to reduce risk. It covers Part IVA, rental property claims, Division 7A, family trust elections, PSI/PSB and income splitting, property development activities and more. You will leave informed of the common traps to avoid.
Optimising Super Contributions: Strategies to Maximise Client Outcomes

Michelle Griffiths

This session explores practical superannuation contribution strategies designed to maximise client outcomes. It will cover how to refine traditional approaches such as recontribution strategies, spouse contribution equalisation and downsizer contributions, highlighting the benefits these strategies can deliver for clients.

Practical tips and real-world case studies will demonstrate how to optimise concessional and non-concessional contributions while managing key risks, including excess contributions and total super balance limits. The session will also highlight how to avoid costly mistakes and support effective client strategies.

11:40 – 12:40 pm

PCG 2025/5: Part IVA, PSI and Profit Retention Under Scrutiny

Declan Cawley and Mark West

This session provides a practical analysis of PCG 2025/5 and the ATO’s increased focus on the potential application of Part IVA to personal services income (PSI) arrangements. It will examine scenarios where Part IVA risk may arise, including situations where no PSI attribution occurs because the personal services entity is operating a personal services business.

The session will step through the key risk indicators and behaviours that can shift an arrangement from low-risk to heightened scrutiny, particularly in the context of income splitting and profit retention practices. It will also outline the types of arrangements that are more likely to attract ATO attention under the PCG.

The session will conclude with practical guidance on what advisers should be discussing with clients now to reduce the likelihood of ATO compliance action, including how to strengthen contemporaneous documentation and evidence that business structures are driven by genuine commercial considerations rather than tax minimisation.

From Premiums to Payouts: Insurance in Super Explained

Stuart Sheary

Insurance inside super is an important risk management tool, allowing members to hold cover such as life and total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance through their fund. Premiums are generally deductible and paying them from super can ease personal cashflow.

This session explores practical strategies for managing insurance premiums and benefit proceeds within the super rules. We’ll explore when and by whom benefits can be accessed, along with key tax considerations and common payment strategies.

Finally, the session highlights frequent pitfalls to avoid when setting up or claiming insurance through super.

12:40 – 1:40 pm

LUNCH

1:40 – 3:40 pm

WORKSHOP: Small Business CGT Concessions, Practical Applications and Common Pitfalls

Linda Tapiolas

The small business CGT concessions can deliver life-changing outcomes for clients, but only when the eligibility tests, structuring, and documentation are handled with care.

This practical two-hour tax workshop is designed to sharpen your confidence in applying the concessions in the real world, with a clear focus on what the ATO will expect to see, where advisers and tax practitioners commonly come unstuck, and how to protect your client and your practice.

WORKSHOP: Ethics in Practice - Navigating Real-World Client Challenges

Nidal Danoun

Ethical decision-making sits at the heart of professional financial advice, yet advisers are often required to navigate complex situations where the “right” course of action is not always clear. This workshop explores ethical thinking in a practical, real-world context, focusing on how advisers can strengthen moral awareness and apply ethical principles when dealing with clients.

The workshop will examine what it truly means to act ethically in practice, including how personal values, unconscious bias and competing pressures can influence decision-making. Through discussion of common ethical dilemmas and real-world case studies, we will unpack key issues such as conflicts of interest, confidentiality, and the importance of transparency and trust in client relationships.

Designed to be both reflective and practical, this 2 hour accredited workshop provides strategies to turn ethical awareness into ethical action, helping advisers elevate professional standards and confidently manage challenging client situations.

3:40 – 4:00 pm

AFTERNOON TEA

4:00 – 4:35 pm

Award-Winning Advice: What Top Practices Do Differently

Join us at the IFPA Conference and Expo for a straight-talking panel featuring recent Australian Financial Industry Awards winners across tax, superannuation and financial advice. These are practitioners who are not guessing. They are building firms that win trust, win work, and deliver outcomes in a market that is tighter, more regulated, and far less forgiving than it used to be.

In this session, our award-winning panellists will break down how referrals actually happen, how strong professional networks are built and maintained, and how they convert introductions into long-term client relationships without resorting to pushy tactics or fluffy marketing. Expect practical discussion on positioning, pricing, client experience, partnership strategy, and the systems and habits that sustain growth while keeping standards high. If you want real-world ideas you can take back to your practice and implement immediately, this is the room to be in.

4:35 – 5:35 pm

Unstoppable Velocity

Keith Abraham

Unstoppable Velocity is a high-impact keynote designed to help individuals and teams move from intention to execution by aligning their actions with what truly drives them. Rather than focusing on doing more, the session centres on doing what matters most, helping leaders and high performers turn ambition into meaningful progress by connecting goals with emotional motivation.

Through three core pillars: discovering personal drivers, defining clear and compelling goals, and building determination through focus and consistent action, attendees gain practical tools to increase clarity, engagement and follow-through. Blending insight, storytelling and practical frameworks, this keynote equips participants with a shared language for performance and accountability, and clear next steps they can apply immediately to build momentum and move forward with purpose.

5:35 pm

NETWORKING DRINKS

6:30 pm

DINNER

DAY 2

20 March 2026

Streams

PLENARY

TAX

FINANCIAL SERVICES

9:00 – 9:15 am

Day 1 Recap

Keith Abraham

As we commence Day Two of the conference, we invite you to join us for a concise 15-minute recap of the previous day’s highlights. Delivered in a energised and insightful manner, this session will revisit the key discussions, notable takeaways, and moments of importance from Day One. It will be an excellent opportunity for attendees to reflect on the insights shared, ensuring we carry forward the lessons and themes as we dive into the day ahead. We look forward to starting our second day with a clear focus and a shared understanding of the ground we’ve already covered.

9:15 – 10:15 am

SMSF Death Benefit Planning: Avoiding Disputes and Protecting Client Outcomes

Dan Butler

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.

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.

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.

10:15 – 10:45 am

You’re a Target: Cyber Security for Tax, Super and Advice Practices

Rutland Smith

Financial professionals sit on a goldmine of sensitive information, tax file numbers, bank details, identity documents, superannuation data, payroll records, trust and company structures, and years of client history. That is exactly why your practice is a prime target. In this essential session with Rutland Smith, Director at Harvey Norman Technology for Business, Rutland will cut through the jargon and focus on the real risks facing tax agents, advisers and super specialists, including the most common threats targeting our profession, and the practical steps that reduce exposure before an incident becomes a business-ending event. Drawing on the framework covered in his earlier IFPA webinar, the session will also unpack the Essential Eight Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation Framework and your obligations when handling sensitive financial information, and the simple controls that most firms either delay or assume are already covered.

This is a “know what you do not know” briefing for practice owners and team leaders who want to protect clients, reputation, and cashflow. You will leave with a clearer view of where firms are typically vulnerable, what “good enough” looks like in cyber hygiene, and how to build a more resilient practice without wasting money on noise, gimmicks, or false confidence.

10:45 – 11:10 am

MORNING  TEA

11:10 – 11:40 pm

Closing the Advice Gap: Practical Advice Delivery for Accounting Firms

George Haramis

Join this session to see how moneyGPS Professional is helping accountants deliver compliant, targeted digital advice at scale, closing the advice gap for clients who need guidance but cannot justify the cost of traditional models. We will step through how the platform captures client information via a secure digital fact find and produces single-topic Advice Plans and Statements of Advice issued under the moneyGPS AFSL, enabling firms to expand into advice in a controlled, practical way across areas such as superannuation, retirement and investments.

You will also hear what is coming next: from February 2026, moneyGPS will introduce RG146-qualified AI.Agents as part of its digital advice proposition, initially engaging end clients by phone in the style of a human GPS Coach, before evolving to on-screen Avatars for formal online meetings (Teams/Zoom).

Rounding out the forward view, moneyGPS is developing another Australian first for 2026: SMSF Digital Advice SoAs issued under the moneyGPS AFSL, a significant step-change for the accounting profession and the SMSF sector.

LIVs Explained: Structure, Stability and Portfolio Fit

Listed Association

This panel session will examine the enduring structural strengths of ASX-listed investment vehicles (LIVs), and why their closed-end design, stable capital base, and capacity to retain income and manage distributions continue to appeal to both investors and advisers.

Join us for a direct, practical discussion on where LIVs fit in modern Australian portfolios, and what advisers should be watching as market conditions and product structures continue to evolve.

11:40 – 12:40 pm

CGT and Deceased Estates: Avoiding Traps in Death and Estate Planning

Karen Goodfellow

This one-hour session explores the CGT issues that can quietly undermine effective death and estate planning. The presentation will focus on three key areas, beginning with the tax and CGT implications that arise on death, including the income tax reporting obligations of executors and administrators.

The session will then examine the increasing use of testamentary trusts, where CGT outcomes can be complex and sometimes unclear in practice. It will also cover inherited property, highlighting how timing, occupancy and post-death use can determine whether a full exemption applies or a taxable capital gain arises.

The presentation will conclude with a practical checklist of the key questions to ask and common pitfalls to avoid when advising deceased estates and beneficiaries, equipping advisers to navigate these issues with greater confidence.

All things pensions

Natasha Panagis &
Stuart Sheary

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.

12:40 – 1:40 pm

LUNCH

1:40 – 2:40 pm

Property and Tax Planning: What Tax Advisers Need to Know

Mark Chapman

This session provides a practical overview of property and tax planning. We will examine how outcomes can differ under income tax versus GST, including why a transaction that looks like CGT on a mere realisation can still raise taxable supply issues for GST purposes.

The session will also address CGT versus property development or profit-making scheme characterisation using current ATO guidance as the anchor point.

Attendees will leave with a clearer sense of the key facts that matter, the questions to ask early, and the red flags that property investors need to look out for.

The role of an adviser to support their clients through estate planning and loss of capacity

Anna Hacker

Join Anna Hacker, accredited specialist in Wills & Estates and Client Director – Estate Planning at Pitcher Partners, as she provides invaluable guidance to advisers on ensuring their client’s estate planning is tailored to their specific circumstances.

This session will delve into the critical aspects of estate planning, particularly focusing on scenarios where clients might lose capacity during their lifetime. Advisers, being on the front line of assisting aging clients, play a crucial role in supporting and protecting their clients’ interests. Anna will explore the essential role of advisers in this context, providing practical insights on how to navigate complex situations. She will present real-life examples and cases, highlighting common pitfalls and demonstrating effective strategies to identify issues and mitigate risks. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to ensure their clients’ estate planning is robust, while also learning how to proactively address potential challenges that could arise.

2:40 – 3:00 pm

AFTERNOON TEA

3:00 – 4:00 pm

Division 296: What to Expect and What It Means for Clients

Phil Broderick

Join Phil for a practical update on the key revisions to the proposed Division 296 tax, which are expected to significantly influence how advisers support high-balance superannuation clients.

In this one-hour session, Phil will unpack the latest draft legislative design features, including the shift to a realised earnings approach and the introduction of a second $10 million threshold, and explain how the measure is intended to operate in practice.

The session will explore the impact of these changes on a member’s total super balance, highlight key planning issues and traps, and consider the implications for death benefit and succession planning. It will also examine the proposed CGT cost-base reset for SMSFs, including how the choice may work and the practical steps advisers may need to consider.

Using practical examples, the session will translate the technical settings into real client outcomes, helping advisers identify who may be affected and how to confidently guide clients through the new rules. Phil will also consider whether superannuation remains the most tax-effective retirement savings structure in this environment and outline the key conversations advisers should be having now, ahead of the proposed 1 July 2026 commencement date.

4:00 pm

Final wrap-up and prize draws

4:30 pm

NETWORKING DRINKS

OUR PRESENTERS

KEITH ABRAHAM

Session
Unstoppable Velocity

Keith Abraham is the global authority on goal achievement and the creator of the GoalDriver™ Formula. A formula designed to accurately determine what energises and engages each individual, driving them to achieve the unimaginable, unreachable and unattainable. With over 28 years as a professional speaker, delivering to over 387 clients in 39 countries, Keith Abraham has been the recipient of multiple awards throughout his career. In 1999, Keith became a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), putting him in the top 7% of professional speakers worldwide. He has experienced great success in Australia and in 2002 he received the highest award given to a Professional Speaker—the Nevin Award. In 2012 he was named Keynote Speaker of the Year and in 2019 he was named Educator of the Year.

PHIL BRODERICK

Session
Division 296: What to Expect and What It Means for Clients

Phil heads Sladen Legal’s superannuation and state taxes teams. He is a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA), a SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA) and a member (and past member) of multiple superannuation related committees. Phil is a regular author and presenter. He frequently liaises with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Treasury in relation the implementation and administration of the superannuation laws.

Phil’s clients include private business owners, accountants, financial planners, self managed superannuation fund (SMSF) trustees and high and medium net worth individuals. He has also acted for industry and retail superannuation funds.

Phil prides himself in providing solutions and structuring for clients in a holistic manner taking into account each client’s situation and structure. He has, on numerous occasions, successfully objected against, and negotiated with, with the ATO in superannuation related matters and the Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO) in relation to state taxes matters (duty, payroll tax and land tax in particular).

DAN BUTLER

Session
SMSF Death Benefit Planning: Avoiding Disputes and Protecting Client Outcomes

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 40 years, is a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser, Chartered Accountant and has an MBA from the University of Melbourne.

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™.

DECLAN CAWLEY

Session
PCG 2025/5: Part IVA, PSI and Profit Retention Under Scrutiny

Declan Cawley is a lawyer based in Brisbane. He advises on a wide range of tax and revenue issues, including income tax, capital gains tax, business structuring and restructuring, foreign tax issues (including residency), taxation of trusts, fringe benefits tax and payroll tax.

Declan advises a broad range of clients, including accountants and financial advisers, high-wealth individuals and private groups, family businesses and deceased estates. He also acts for clients during ATO audits, objections, private ruling applications and appeals before the Administrative Review Tribunal and Federal Court.

MARK CHAPMAN

Session
Property and Tax Planning: What Tax Advisers Need to Know

With over 30 years of experience as a tax professional in both the UK and Australia, Mark Chapman has established himself as a leading expert in taxation for individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Currently serving as the Director of Tax Communications at H&R Block Australia, Mark has been with the company since 2015, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering tax advice across various media channels.

Mark’s expertise is frequently sought by national media outlets. He is a regular columnist for Money Magazine and Yahoo7 Finance, and contributes tax insights to The Australian Financial Review, The Daily Telegraph, The Age, and Business Spectator. His media presence extends to radio and television, where he provides expert commentary on current tax issues. His deep knowledge also sees him regularly presenting at seminars and conferences on a range of topical tax matters.

NIDAL DANOUN

Session
Ethics in Practice – Navigating Real-World Client Challenges

Nidal Danoun, is the executive director of Prosperity Financial Services. He provides advice and training to organisations, businesses, and professionals in the areas of financial services regulation compliance, ethics, corporate governance and culture. Nidal is also a lecturer at University of New South Wales Business School and at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) in the areas of leadership, wealth management, estate planning and ethics, he is also a Certified Ethics Trainer with the CFA institute. Nidal regularly works and consults with regulators, large financial institutions, and accounting firms.

Nidal holds a Master of Commerce; he is a Chartered Accountant, a Fellow CPA Financial Planning Specialist, a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Tax Adviser, a member of the CFA Institute. Nidal has over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry.

JOSHUA GOLDSMITH

Session
ATO Focus Areas for SMEs and Individuals

Joshua Goldsmith is a multi-award winning lawyer and tax advisor – and is the managing director of JG Tax and Legal. 

He provides tax and legal support to small and medium accounting practices on complex tax issues and ATO, SRO and TPB interactions.

His practice is a one stop shop for accountants and finance professionals and is rapidly expanding – his practice will soon be servicing general law matters, including wills/estates, property law, conveyancing, contract law, family law and the like.

KAREN GOODFELLOW

Session
CGT and Deceased Estates: Avoiding Traps in Death and Estate Planning

Karen Goodfellow is a distinguished tax professional with nearly 25 years of experience, specialising in providing expert tax consulting services and training. She has authored extensive technical tax content and delivered numerous tax training sessions. Karen’s expertise encompasses a comprehensive understanding of Australia’s federal tax system, with a focus on areas such as CGT concessions, exemptions, and rollovers, business restructures, taxation of trusts and companies, and more. She is known for offering straightforward solutions to complex tax issues, making her a trusted advisor to business owners and tax agents alike.

MICHELLE GRIFFITHS

Session
Optimising Super Contributions: Strategies to Maximise Client Outcomes

Michelle is a Partner at TAG Financial Services and has been with TAG since the firm’s commencement. Michelle leads the Investment Advisory and Wealth division, she explores financial planning, tax strategies, estate planning and superannuation strategies to maximise TAG’s clients’ chances of achieving financial success in whatever they do.

Specialised skillset:
  • A highly specialised understanding of superannuation, consulting on a wide range of retirement saving matters with a particular focus on self managed super funds.
  • Advanced technical expertise in the area of retirement and estate planning: Michelle’s consulting services are in high demand by clients of TAG Financial Services and the wider accounting profession.
  • Expert in providing business structuring advice in order to maximise tax planning for business groups.
  • Experience in conducting industry presentations, including seminars held by TAG, CPA Australia and other professional groups.

Michelle is also an Authorised Representative of TAG Financial Advisors (AFS Licensee No. 415632), ensuring she is qualified to assist clients achieve their financial objectives.

ANNA HACKER

Session
Incapacity and SMSFs: Protecting Clients and Practitioners

Anna has been practising law for almost two decades and is an accredited specialist in the area of Wills and Estates. While her career started in private legal practice in a mid-tier firm, her transition to managing two of Australia’s largest national estate planning teams saw her hone her skills, as well as develop specialised trust and estate administration knowledge that allows her to bring value to clients.

With a background in estate litigation, and particularly elder law, Anna is able to minimise the risk of challenge and her specialist estate planning knowledge helps to devise strategies which take risk, control and protection into account while meeting a client’s objectives. With a particular interest in philanthropy and charitable giving, she supports clients to put structured giving in place. She also has VCAT Guardianship List experience, supporting vulnerable clients and their families as well as case file experience in the Supreme Court of Victoria in matters ranging from the construction of Wills, testator’s family maintenance claims, statutory Wills, rectification of Wills and informal Will applications.

GEORGE HARAMIS

Session
Closing the Advice Gap: Practical Advice Delivery for Accounting Firms

George Haramis has been successfully involved in the financial services industry for 30 years in various executive roles with some of Australia’s leading domestic and international financial institutions.

George’s roles have included: being a founder of a listed advice business, working with a number of Australia’s largest superannuation funds in presenting fund management solutions, establishing both retail and wholesale distribution channels, working closely with the accounting profession by assisting accounting firms establish successful wealth & advice businesses, creating unique employee benefits programmes for employers and being responsible for two of the country’s largest institutionally owned Dealer Groups: Securitor and RetireInvest – which at the time managed in excess of $10B for over 80,000 clients.

George is now the Co-Founder of Fiduciary Financial Services Pty Ltd.

NATASHA PANAGIS

Session
Legislation and Regulations Update

Natasha Panagis is a highly experienced wealth management specialist with deep expertise across a broad spectrum of financial services areas, including superannuation, self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), retirement planning, taxation, estate planning, insurance, social security, and aged care. With over 20 years in the industry, Natasha has developed a reputation as a trusted adviser and thought leader, delivering strategic insights and practical guidance to financial professionals and their clients.

Her ability to distill and communicate complex financial concepts in a clear, concise, and accessible manner has made her a sought-after commentator in the media. She has been regularly quoted in leading financial publications and frequently presents at industry conferences, professional development programs, and training workshops, where she shares her knowledge with financial planners, accountants, and legal professionals.

Natasha plays an instrumental role in shaping Australia’s financial services industry through her work in policy development and advocacy. She actively engages with Government bodies, regulators, and key industry stakeholders to influence policy settings, legislative changes, and regulatory reforms. Her contributions help ensure that the evolving financial landscape remains conducive to professional practitioners while safeguarding consumer interests.

In addition to her policy and advocacy work, Natasha is a passionate educator, regularly contributing technical articles and thought leadership pieces aimed at enhancing the knowledge and capability of financial professionals. Her dedication to professional excellence and commitment to improving financial literacy make her a valued contributor to the industry.

STUART SHEARY

Session
From Premiums to Payouts: Insurance in Super Explained

Stuart Sheary is a highly respected financial services professional with over 20 years of industry experience, specialising in superannuation, social security, and self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). With a strong technical background and a deep understanding of Australia’s financial and regulatory landscape, Stuart has built a career dedicated to providing financial professionals with clear, actionable guidance in these complex areas.

Stuart is well known for his ability to simplify intricate legislative and technical matters, equipping advisers with the knowledge they need to navigate regulatory changes and strategic financial planning. His expertise is demonstrated through regular presentations at industry events, contributions to technical literature, and ongoing support for financial professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of superannuation and SMSFs. His technical acumen and practical approach make him a valued resource in the financial services sector.

Before joining the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA), Stuart held a number of pivotal technical roles where he provided expert guidance and support to financial advisers on a range of complex financial planning matters. His ability to interpret and apply legislation in a real-world advisory context has been instrumental in helping advisers deliver better outcomes for their clients.

Stuart holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a Specialist SMSF Advisor (SSA®) accredited by the SMSF Association, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence.

With a passion for technical education and adviser support, Stuart continues to contribute meaningfully to the industry, ensuring financial professionals stay informed, confident, and well-equipped to navigate the evolving financial services landscape.

RUTLAND SMITH

Session
You’re a Target: Cyber Security for Tax, Super and Advice Practices

Rutland Smith is a highly experienced IT professional with over 25 years in the technology sector and currently serves as Director at Harvey Norman Technology for Business, dedicated to delivering technology services and cyber security solutions to small and medium-sized businesses, including sole traders across Australia.

Rutland is passionate about helping business owners and sole traders navigate the complexities of IT and cyber security. He understands the unique challenges SMBs face and is committed to making technology accessible, practical, and secure. Under his leadership, his team provides end-to-end IT services—from consultation and setup to ongoing support and troubleshooting.

A recognised expert in cybersecurity, Rutland is a strong advocate for protecting small businesses from digital threats. He has spearheaded the development of robust security solutions designed to safeguard SMBs from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

Rutland’s deep industry knowledge, combined with his hands-on approach, has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and thought leader. He regularly shares insights on emerging trends and best practices, empowering business owners to make informed decisions and strengthen their digital resilience.

LINDA TAPIOLAS

Session
Small Business CGT Concessions, Practical Applications and Common Pitfalls

Linda is a partner in Cooper Grace Ward’s commercial team and specialises in providing tailored advice and support services to accountants, financial planners and other professional advisers.

Linda provides technical advice on complex tax, capital gains tax (CGT) and Division 7A issues, and acts on business sales and acquisitions to ensure clients achieve commercial and tax effective outcomes.

Prior to joining Cooper Grace Ward, Linda worked as an accountant for 18 years, advising clients on capital gains, business acquisitions, and restructuring, providing her with a unique insight into her current clients’ business environment.

She also regularly conducts seminars and training on topics including business structuring, CGT small business concessions and Division 7A issues.

MARK WEST

Session
PCG 2025/5: Part IVA, PSI and Profit Retention Under Scrutiny

Qualified as a lawyer, chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser, Mark provides advice across the spectrum of taxes. He has experience in income tax, capital gains tax, goods and services tax, fringe benefits tax, payroll tax and land tax.

Mark assists with all legal matters involving taxation law, including making applications for private, class or product rulings from the ATO. He assists with tax audits and with related settlement negotiations with the ATO and State revenue authorities. He also provides tax advice on restructures, mergers and acquisitions, and on debt and equity fundraisings.

He has acted for clients in tax cases before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Full Federal Court.

Mark conducts tax due diligence reviews, prudential reviews (i.e. prior to ATO or State revenue authority audit) of taxation exposures and gives opinions on uncertain or ‘reportable’ tax positions.

Mark acts for high wealth individuals, for private groups and for listed company groups across sectors including engineering, investment funds, information technology and property. He has a number of clients in the retirement living field and is a recognised expert on taxation issues in that industry. He also advises on taxation matters for the non-profit sector, including private ancillary foundations.

Mark regularly conducts training and presentations on taxation matters for accounting and legal firms as well as for professional and industry bodies.

Qualifications and memberships

  • Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland
  • Solicitor of the High Court of Australia
  • Chartered Accountant Fellow (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand)
  • Chartered Tax Adviser (The Tax Institute)
    Queensland Law Society
  • Business Law Section Taxation Committee (Law Council of Australia)

OUR PARTNERS

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