FPA announces new Board makeup and Chair


The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) today announced Neil Kendall, CFP®, as its new Chair. Mr Kendall will take the reins from Matthew Rowe from 19th November 2014.

Mr Kendall has a diverse background in financial planning, having worked in banking, product distribution, as a salaried financial planner and an independent expert. He has served for four years as an FPA elected Board member, having previously been active in his FPA chapter and numerous FPA committees. He is currently the owner/planner of an independent financial planning firm.

The FPA exiting Chair, Mr Rowe, said he was proud of the achievements of the profession during his tenure and looked forward to continuing to support the good work of the FPA under Mr Kendall’s leadership.

“Our transformation from an industry association to a professional association is complete. We now start a new journey – one as a professional community that’s united in its commitment to supporting Australians in securing a better financial future,” Mr Rowe said.

Mr Kendall said “The FPA has worked tirelessly to establish professional status for members, which is a source of pride and satisfaction for all concerned. But there’s more to be done as the general understanding of advice and, in particular, what constitutes the best quality advice, continues to evolve and improve. A key part of our next steps will be bringing others on board to join the 10,000-strong professional members who are already leading the way in this regard.”

“Now is not the time for a revolution. Now is the time to stay on course to ensure we build on the hard work we’ve already put in. We all want to know that we are creating a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of the client. There has been much talk to date about what defines ‘bad advice’. Our focus from now is very much on ‘good advice’.”

Mr Kendall’s appointment was announced along with other changes to the FPA Board. The FPA welcomes Marisa Broome and Delma Newton as newly elected Board members and Matthew Brown, who has been re-elected to the Board.

Patrick Canion will be stepping down from his role as director after his significant contribution to the FPA over the past three years. Patrick has played a pivotal role in the reinvigoration of the FPA’s Chapter structure and the establishment of a Regional Chapter Committee, which will provide vital linkages to the Board. He has also been an excellent contributor at the Board and local level and will remain a Trustee for Future 2.

Louise Lakomy will also be stepping down from the Board as she has served two terms as an FPA Board member and must now retire from the Board in accordance with the FPA constitution. Louise Lakomy is a Fellow and recipient of the FPA Distinguished Service Award, having also been the Sydney Chapter Chair. Louise has served the FPA with passion and commitment over two terms as a Board member. She has been a strong advocate of higher education standards and has led the way to building the FPA’s student membership to the record levels now achieved.

In conclusion, Mr Rowe said: “It has been an honour to lead the FPA over the last four years. In that time we have not only established a professional community, it’s a community that has withstood the toughest tests – rapid and frequent change, parliamentary inquiries, a dynamic political process and intense national media attention, often focussed on scandal. But through it all we have maintained our drive and determination and I know this will continue with Neil as a leader.”