Veitch elected new FAAA chair

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist

16 July 2026

The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has confirmed current Deputy Chair Michelle Veitch will be its next Chair, following the departure of David Sharpe at the end of his term in November.

The appointment comes after a Board election process that confirmed Veitch as Chair-elect, having served as Deputy Chair since the merged association was established in April 2023.

Also the Vice President of the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) prior to the merger, Veitch boasts more than 25 years of experience in financial advice, having also founded and managed her own South Australian-based Mybluesky prior to its acquisition by PSK Private Wealth. Since 2025, she has been the regional General Manager for advice and continues to work with clients as Senior Financial Advice.

“Michelle brings deep experience, excellent judgement and a strong connection to the profession through her ongoing work with clients,” FAAA chief executive officer, Sarah Abood, said.

“She has played an important leadership role within the Association and the broader financial advice profession for many years.

“I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to grow the profession, advocate for better outcomes for members and consumers, and ensure more Australians can access great financial advice.”

Commenting on her appointment, Veitch said she was looking forward to taking the helm of the association as the broader financial advice profession continues to navigate a challenging period.

“I am passionate about helping our profession thrive. I want to see an exciting new era for financial advice – one where advisers feel secure about the future, businesses can grow with confidence, talented people are eager to join our profession, and more Australians can access the advice they need,” she said.

“When I assume the role of chair in November, my focus will be on continuing to deliver the FAAA’s strategic priorities to 2030, keeping the Association relevant in a rapidly changing environment, and bringing stakeholders together to build a stronger future for our members and the profession.”

Abood also thanked Sharpe for his time as the inaugural FAAA Chair.

“David has led the FAAA through a formative period in its history and has been a passionate advocate for members and the profession.

“In addition to the last three years as chair of the FAAA, David served seven years on the FPA Board, including as the FPA chair from May 2022, and will have reached the end of his maximum 10-year tenure as a director by the AGM in November.

“On behalf of the Board, management and our members, I would like to thank him for his leadership, commitment and tireless work on behalf of financial advisers and their clients across Australia.”

Sharpe also welcomed Veitch as his successor.

“I am most proud of how quickly and seamlessly the FAAA has formed its own identity and unified the membership. Our members are clear that their FAAA is here to represent their interests,” he said.

“The job isn’t complete. We are well aware of the challenge CSLR still poses. In my remaining time as chair of the FAAA, CSLR, along with the initial steps of regrowing numbers in our profession, remain the core focus and those challenges will continue to drive me over the next four months.

“Whilst I am under no illusions about what can be achieved by November, I am thankful that the custody of FAAA’s chair role will pass to Michelle who I know is both passionate and eminently qualified to continue representing FAAA members and to take on these challenges and more.”

“Lastly, I want to thank the almost 11,000 FAAA members for the work they do every day helping Australians build a better financial future. I am grateful for the countless messages of personal support I have received from many members over my four years as chair.”