Decision overlook role of accounts in report by Quality of Advice Review, to be discussed at SMSF Association Conference.

A four-member panel of the Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Association conference, set to be held on February 22-24, 2025, will examine a final report by the Quality of Advice Review, detailing the controversial decision to “largely overlook” the role of accountants in offering financial advice.

“It’s our view that accountants have been left in the cold in this Review, despite the fact we have a ready pool of specialists who are ideally placed to fill the crucial advice gap,” says panel member and CEO of the SMSF Association, John Maroney.

“In the context of improving access to quality advice we would have liked to see a greater focus on the role accountants can play, particularly in the SMSF advice space.”

With the report proving significant for the advice industry, the SMSF Association has opened this critical session of the three-day conference, housed by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, to members and other industry participants who complete virtual registration.

The session, occurring on day three, will be facilitated by The Inside Network’s Managing Editor, Tahn Sharp, whilst other members of the panel include Michelle Levy, Review Lead and author, Sarah Abood, CEO of the Financial Planning Association and Paul Barrett, CEO of the AZ Next Generation Advisory.

Mr. Maroney also believes there has been a failure in the limited licensing regime as well as in the accountant’s exemption prior, remaining long-term unresolved issues, to be aired at the conference.