The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has today announced the appointment of Dr June Smith as Chair of its Conduct Review Commission (CRC).
In this role, Dr Smith is responsible for overseeing the independent Committee that regulates the conduct of FPA members. She leads the CRC along with a group of experienced financial planning professionals, relevant industry experts, and members of the public that uphold the highest ethical standards within the financial planning profession.
Dr Smith brings to the role extensive experience in the financial services industry, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Code Compliance Monitoring Committee and General Manager of Code Compliance and Monitoring at the Financial Ombudsman Service. With a PhD in applied ethics and organisational decision-making, Dr Smith is a specialist in integrity, governance and self-regulatory frameworks within financial services.
Mr Rantall said: “Dr Smith’s appointment as CRC Chair comes at a significant time in the financial planning industry, when it is of utmost importance to ensure that we live up to the expectations of our profession. Having an independent governance framework is integral to ensuring that financial planners do the right thing and act in their clients’ best interest, providing high quality advice to their clients.
“The FPA looks forward to working with Dr Smith to continue to uphold the standards of its members. FPA members are bound by the FPA’s Code of Conduct and any member found to breach this code would come under review by the CRC.”
Dr Smith said the CRC plays an important role in contributing to the trust placed in the financial planning profession by ensuring that professional standards are independently monitored and upheld.
“I feel privileged to be able to lead the Commission in this next phase, to position it as an expert and independent voice that shares insight and experience about what it means to be a member of the FPA and the conduct that is expected of its members,” she said.
Dr Smith replaces Professor Dimity Kingsford Smith who held the role from 2007.