FPA, AFA complete merger; confirm board

The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) have announced their completed merger effective from 3 April, forming the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA).

Activities have commenced under the joint FAAA name and branding, with FPA and AFA staff joining as a single team in one office and the new board directors joining from their former associations.

With current FPA Chair David Sharpe appointed as Chair and current AFA Vice President Michelle Veitch as Deputy Chair of the FAA, FPA directors continuing on the new board include:

• Diana D’Ambra
• Kearsten James
• William Johns
• Jade Khao
• Julie Matheson
• Angela Martyn
• Julian Place

AFA directors continuing on the new board include:

• Katherine Hayes
• Patricia Garcia
• Shaun McDonagh

FPA members are expected to transition to the new FAAA branding in the coming weeks, but the AFA will operate under its own brand until 30 June after which members who renew will become part of the FAAA.

Sam Perera, AFA National President, said he will not be joining the board and is proud of his contributions in joining the two associations.

“I have decided to refocus my time toward my family, staff and practice who have been patient with my absence whilst I served on the AFA board. I will remain an active member of the FAAA and continue to contribute in the areas of policy and advocacy,” he said.

“I would like to thank Sam for his work as the AFA national president, and his deep commitment to bringing our two associations together.  I also thank the other AFA directors who have worked so hard to make this merger a reality,” FAAA chair, David Sharpe, said.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank Marisa Broome who, as immediate past chair of the FPA, was deeply involved in the early stages of talks and integral to the ultimate success of our merger.

“On behalf of the board of the FAAA, I would also like to extend our gratitude to all staff who have worked so hard to get us to this point.

“We had already taken steps to bring the board members together to start discussions following the merger, and the AFA nominated directors participated as guests at the last FPA board meeting and strategy day.

“We are now in a strong position to start our work as a merged association, advocating on behalf of members.”

Membership renewals will commence in May, and the transition of all branding, website and membership activity will be complete by 30 June.