Shaping the Future of Retirement Advice & Member Engagement
In this luncheon series we discussed the evolving landscape of retirement income strategies, digital advice, and member outcomes. This was a timely opportunity to collaborate on how best to meet Retirement Income Covenant (RIC) responsibilities while enhancing member engagement, retention, and service delivery. Drawing on the latest industry-wide survey insights, we explored the key challenges and opportunities super funds face—from regulatory uncertainty and technology gaps to member advice uptake and the digital shift in expectations. This event highlighted practical approaches to developing a cohesive, scalable member advice framework that supports a diverse membership base across age and financial complexity.
George Haramis, CEO & Co-Founder of the digital advice platform, moneyGPS & Craig Sankey, Head of Risk & Compliance at Industry Fund Services brought deep experience and candid perspectives to the discussion, joined by a panel of fund executives at each briefing.
The discussion focused on what “better outcomes” truly means, how advice can be positioned as a driver of long-term success, and the role of innovation in meeting the expectations of both members and employer clients. Members gained strategic insights and networking opportunities with peers who were shaping the future of superannuation.
Guest speakers
George Haramis, CEO & Co-Founder, moneyGPS
George has over 30 years financial services experience in senior executive roles, managing some of the country's largest and most successful financial advisory business, including; Perpetual Private Clients, Head of Advice & Investments at ANZ Private Bank, Managing Director of RetireInvest, Principal of Mercer Global Consulting. He also managed Sealcorp’s advice business, Securitor, as well as established the Asgard Corporate division.
George co-founded the groundbreaking digital advice platform, moneyGPS, which supports individual client needs by offering a hybrid digital advice solution. This is achieved by combining proprietary algorithms and calculation engine, as well as human expertise to plot tailored personal financial advice SoAs providing the end user with access to an online portal, connecting them to a comprehensive range of digitally supported personal financial advice topics. The platform is now the preferred digital advice service for accountants, boutique financial advisers & national AFSL’s and employers - through the partnership between moneyGPS and the UK based Howden Group Australian operations.
moneyGPS has now commenced engaging with a number of super funds to offer its digital technology and user engagement program to funds via its ‘Out-Of-The-Box’ or ‘Bespoke’ Advice programs. moneyGPS believes their value proposition will help super funds meet their RIC obligations and importantly – deliver a proven, consumer focussed digital advice and wellness offering with human support, and via its ASFSL if preferred.
Craig Sankey, Head of Risk and Compliance, Industry Fund Services
As the Head of Risk and Compliance, Craig holds the role of Responsible Manager for IFS’ Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and chairs the IFS Advice Governance and Risk Committee.
Craig brings over 35 years of extensive experience in the Banking and Financial Planning Industry, having worked with both small and large dealer groups. For the past 15 years, Craig has been an integral part of IFS, previously serving as the Advice Governance & Technical Specialist and the Head of Technical Services & Advice Enablement, before his appointment as the Head of Risk and Compliance.
Craig is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, underscoring his commitment to excellence and professional development in the financial industry. Beyond his professional duties, Craig shares his financial insights as a regular columnist for The New Daily.
Jason Nyilas, Executive Adviser and Advisory Board Member, moneyGPS
Jason is Executive Adviser and an Advisory Board member with two fintechs in the Wealth Management space, moneyGPS (a digital financial advice tool) and HeirWealth (an intergenerational wealth transfer platform).
Jason has been involved in wealth management and digital transformation for over 35 years, in Australia and overseas. He has worked in the asset management industry and in professional services firms focussing on strategy, marketing, operations, M&A and digital transformation. Previously, Jason was IBM’s Global Wealth Management and Pensions Leader and a partner at EY in the financial services practise In Australia and overseas.
Melbourne panellists
Shannon O’Shea, General Manager Retirement, HESTA
Shannon is the General Manager of Retirement for HESTA. With a proud 20+ years in the superannuation sector, Shannon’s passion is making superannuation a benefit everyday Australian’s can easily engage with and value through to a dignified retirement. Shannon has worked across multiple funds and organisations in Leadership, Strategy and Growth roles. Completing her MBA in 2017 and her Women on Boards program in 2018. Achieving Partner at a Global consultancy firm in 2020 and into her most meaningful role at HESTA 2022.
Shannon has a breadth of experience and is energised every day to work on improving how Australians experience their superannuation and look forward to retirement with confidence. Representing many organisations through her career as an industry leader, featured on panels and hosting of conferences.
Melanie Slade, Head of Retirement, Product & CX Risk, TelstraSuper
Melanie is the Head of Retirement, Product & CX Risk at leading profit-to-member fund, TelstraSuper. Once run exclusively for Telstra employees, today anyone can join TelstraSuper.
Mel has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, working across a range of leadership roles in financial planning, member education, product, and member servicing. She is passionate about helping members access the information they need to make empowered decisions.
In her current role, Mel is responsible for leading the Fund's retirement offering and product development, as well as helping members understand how to build a better financial future through education and guidance.
Adelaide panellists
Allan Ward, Head of Advice, Super SA
Allan Ward is Head of Advice at Super SA. In this role he helps members access financial advice that assist them in planning for and moving into retirement. He’s been involved in the financial planning industry for over 25 years, holds the Certified Financial Planner designation, and has a deep interest in investor psychology and how people make financial decisions.
Brisbane panellists
Lisa Kay, Chief Member Officer, Brighter Super
Lisa was appointed to Energy Super’s Executive Leadership Team in April 2017. Lisa was appointed as Chief Member Officer when LGIAsuper and Energy Super merged on 1 July 2021 forming Brighter Super following the acquisition of Suncorp Super. With a combination of 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry coupled with her knowledge in superannuation and passion for financial advice, she brings years of experience in client management and wealth creation and transformation to the executive team. She has transformed the availability of advice to members of the fund over the past 4 years ensuring all members can retire with advice. Lisa sees this as an important element of a retirement journey allowing members to not only retire comfortably but also confidently. Lisa’s qualifications include GAICD Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Graduate Certificates in Executive Management and Development, Organisational Leadership, and General Manager Program (all from the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW), and Diploma of Financial Planning (RG146).
Leigh Mackay, Executive Manager Member Engagement, BUSSQ
Leigh is the Executive Manager of Member Engagement at BUSSQ Super, where she leads a dedicated team through construction industry onsite engagement and their internal financial planning team focused on empowering members through education and support to achieve better retirement outcomes. With over nine years at BUSSQ and a career spanning the broader financial services industry, Leigh brings a wealth of experience from working with major institutions and running her own financial advice and finance broking business.
A passionate advocate for financial wellbeing, Leigh is committed to helping Australians understand and maximise their superannuation at every stage of their retirement journey. Her work is driven by the belief that everyone deserves financial security and the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable and dignified retirement.
Leigh is also a long-standing volunteer with the National Association of Women in Construction, reflecting her dedication to women’s financial security engagement and supporting diversity in traditionally underrepresented industries. She is currently advancing her leadership and strategic capabilities through a Master of Business Administration.
Sydney panellists
Sarah Forman, Chief Retirement Officer, Team Super
Sarah is a senior executive with over 25 years’ experience in financial services across the superannuation and wealth management sectors, have led strategy, product, sales, member experience and operational teams. Sarah has extensive experience in the management and delivery of advice services, having successfully led the financial advice functions at some of Australia’s largest superannuation and wealth management providers, and wants to see all Australian’s gain access to the help, guidance and advice they need to feel confident and have a great retirement.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Government) from Sydney University, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has a range of professional KAPLAN accreditations related to financial services as well as a Professional Certificate in Management from the Graduate School of Management, University of Adelaide.
Erick Cordero, General Manager, Advice, Guidance & Education Delivery, ART
Erick is an experienced executive with 26 years in the Australian superannuation industry. During his two and half decades in the sector, Erick has worked for six different super funds, covering Public funds, Commercial funds, and Profit-for-Member funds.
He’s led functions including Operations, Transitions, Sales, Account Management, Education and Advice teams. His experience also covers large and complex mergers, transformation programs and growth strategies.
At ART, Erick leads the national team of internal financial advisers, guidance representatives and educators. Each year, the team deliver over 35,000 advice appointments, conduct 30,000 phone calls, and deliver education for 100,000 members (both webinars and seminars).
Erick has served as a director on ART’s two advice boards (QInvest Limited & Sunsuper Financial Services).
He’s a Graduate of AICD, holds an Executive MBA from UNSW and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance & Investments from FINSIA.
Erick is an Associate member of ASFA and a Fellow of FINSIA.
MELBOURNE
DATE: TUESDAY 27TH MAY
VENUE: EY
ADDRESS: 8 EXHIBITION STREET
ADELAIDE
DATE: WEDNESDAY 28TH MAY
VENUE: EY
ADDRESS: LEVEL 12/121 KING WILLIAM STREET
BRISBANE
DATE: TUESDAY 3RD JUNE
VENUE: AUSTRALIAN RETIREMENT TRUST
ADDRESS: 266 GEORGE STREET
SYDNEY
DATE: THURSDAY 5TH JUNE
VENUE: KPMG
ADDRESS: LEVEL 38 TOWER THREE. 300 BARANGAROO AVE
TIME: 12.15PM - 2.00PM (AEST)
COST: FEAL members - $0 & non-members $145 (inc GST)
*If you are a non member & would like to attend please contact FEAL.
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