This announcement comes against a backdrop of Australia’s biggest wave of retirees and an advice sector that is already struggling to keep up with the demand.
Aware stated, as any good adviser would know, that the profession plays an “important role in Australia’s advice ecosystem”, especially for clients needing tailored, targeted advice to help them navigate the country’s increasingly complicated retirement landscape.
It further pointed to “strong growth” in the number of registered advisers using its services, alongside the establishment of new licensee partnerships.
As part of this focus, Aware has created a new role – senior manager, technical services to which they have appointed financial services professional Troy Smith.
Smith has worked for 15 years across technical and advice-facing teams at Insignia and ANZ/OnePath, including the role of national manager, technical services, at Insignia. His most recent position was partnership disputes resolution manager at Zurich.
Aware Super general manager growth and partnerships Natalie Jarvis said Smith’s appointment would further strengthen the fund’s adviser proposition.
“As adviser engagement continues to grow, it’s critical we invest in deep technical capability that advisers can rely on,” she said.
“Troy brings extensive industry experience and a strong ability to translate complex technical issues into practical guidance, which will further enhance the support we provide to advisers and, ultimately, their clients.”
Aware added that Smith’s new role will sit within its advice relationship team and will be responsible for “developing and delivering technical education to licensees and advisers through professional development days, industry association events and webinars.”
It will also provide technical support to financial advisers working with the super fund across complex client scenarios.
Jarvis said the appointment reflected the fund’s $235 billion commitment to working constructively and collaboratively alongside the advice profession.
“We understand that advice is not one size fits all, and that many of our members value the personalised guidance that comes from working with a trusted financial adviser,” Jarvis said.
“Our role is to support that advice ecosystem by equipping advisers with strong local relationships, high‑quality technical support and education, while ensuring members can access advice in the way that suits them best.”
Smith will report to national manager advice relationships Warwick Gribble.
There really is a stark difference emerging between “adviser supportive” industry funds like Aware and ART, and “adviser obstructive” industry funds like Australian Super and Cbus.