AIOFP partners with DASH on Foundation Adviser Wrap

Mike Taylor

Managing Editor and Publisher

25 May 2026

The Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (AIOFP) has followed through on its plan to re-enter the white label platform space, announcing it has selected to partner with DASH to deliver the “Foundation Adviser Wrap”.

The announcement follows on from the AIOFP’s strong criticism of the manner in which major platforms have treated individual financial advisers caught up in the collapse of the Shield and First Guardian funds.

The selection of DASH has been accompanied by the AIOFP’s announcement that industry veteran, Arthur Naoumidis has been appointed as chief executive of a new AIOFP majority-owned entity, Foundation Platform Services Pty Ltd.

AIOFP executive director, Peter Johnston said the platform initiative is designed to restore confidence and protect adviser independence.

“Foundation is about putting that risk back under control – ensuring advisers retain access to the platform while their clients’ assets remain in place.”

He said that to lead the initiative, AIOFP had engaged Naoumidis, who conducted a multi-month review of potential platform partners.

DASH was selected for its ability to support both advisers and their clients, as well asmaintaining critical governance frameworks.

DASH Executive Director of Strategy, Darren Pettiona, said the principles of Foundation align with DASH’s long-standing commitment to adviser-centric, client-first design.

“Strong governance and clear standards are critical to the long-term sustainability of the advice industry. Protecting end investors and ensuring high-quality advice outcomes should always be the priority,” he said.

However, DASH cautioned that recent actions across the market, including platforms restricting or removing adviser access, and changes to platform terms that enable direct client engagement, risk undermining the very ecosystem these principles aim to strengthen.

“Advisers play a central role in delivering informed, personalised financial outcomes. Limiting their ability to operate, or inserting platforms directly into client relationships, creates friction and uncertainty – particularly at a time when access to advice is already constrained.”

“We believe the future of advice lies in collaboration – between platforms, trustees, and advisers – underpinned by transparency and aligned incentives,” Pettiona said.

“Done right, governance should enhance trust and access simultaneously. It shouldn’t force a trade-off between the two.”

Under the Foundation model:

• Advisers will retain access to the platform while client assets remain in place;
• Access may only be denied on a “for cause” basis, including regulatory or disciplinary action;
• Any such restriction will apply only to the individual adviser, not entire dealer groups.

Naoumidis said the model addresses a structural imbalance in the platform market.

“This is about resetting expectations. Advisers should not lose access to critical infrastructure due to decisions beyond their control,” he said.