The IFS Advice Conference 2025 brought together financial advisers, leaders, partners, and industry stakeholders from across the superannuation sector for a day of networking, learning, and collaboration. Held at the Park Hyatt Melbourne, the event showcased the latest in advice strategies, technology integration, and client engagement.
Session 1: Delivering an ‘Epic Retirement’
The conference opened with a powerful keynote from Bec Wilson, who shared meaningful insights for financial advisers supporting super fund members in preparing for retirement. Bec highlighted how many pre-retirees are eager to plan for their future but are often discouraged by complex language and industry jargon. Her call to action for the industry was clear: make retirement conversations more member-focused by simplifying the language, enabling members to actively participate in shaping their retirement journey.
Session 2: Advice Best Practice Model
In this session, Patrick O’Keefe, IFS’ Advice Technology Manager, hosted a discussion with Melissa Laycock, Advice Manager at Brighter Super, and Ashleigh Cattanach, Senior Manager – Advice Operations at Cbus Super. Together, they explored best practice standards and recent changes within their advice teams aimed at addressing common challenges faced by advisers. Patrick also unveiled the new IFS Best Practice Advice Model, which prioritises member outcomes and offered attendees a sneak peek into upcoming enhancements in member data capture.
Session 3: Retirement Product Positioning
This session featured a thought-provoking panel led by Craig Sankey, IFS’ Head of Risk and Compliance, joined by Dan Bridgland (CareSuper), Thomas Rouse (Hostplus), and Gideon Tuckman (Challenger). The panel discussed the evolving landscape of retirement products and how advice must adapt to support these offerings. They also drew on a new whitepaper co-developed by IFS and Challenger, which examines the design and positioning of retirement propositions for different cohorts, as well as how advice can support these emerging offerings.
Session 4: AI – Revolution or Bubble?
Presented by Jeremy Gorniak, Vikram Pande, and Karlo Klassan from IFS, this session explored whether artificial intelligence (AI) is truly transformative or simply overhyped. Covering the evolution of AI, the rise of generative AI, and its practical applications and risks in financial services, the presenters highlighted benefits such as automation, efficiency, and deeper insights, alongside challenges like hallucinations, data privacy, and compliance. The session emphasised that successful AI initiatives require clear use cases, strong user collaboration, and data readiness, and shared IFS’ own journey experimenting with AI tools for advice production.
Session 5: CIO Discussion
Moderated by IFS CEO David Issa, this session brought together Sam Sicilia (CIO at Hostplus), Suzanna Branton (CIO at CareSuper), and Alex Joiner (Chief Economist at IFM Investors) to explore the major forces shaping the future of superannuation. The panel examined the current economic outlook and evolving investment strategies, with a focus on translating these insights into better advice and member outcomes. The discussion also highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration between advice and investment teams to support confident, long-term decision-making.
Session 6: Attributes of a High Performer
Led by Dr Natalie Flatt from SuperFriend, this session delved into the science and strategies behind high performance at work. Dr Flatt emphasised that thriving under pressure isn’t about avoiding stress, but about cultivating sustainable habits, mindsets, and routines. Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, and organisational studies, she outlined seven core attributes of high performers, including adaptability, emotional regulation, and a growth mindset and explained how these traits can be nurtured by leaders and teams.
IFS Advice Excellence Awards
Hosted by Craig Sankey and Brian Knight, CEO of Kaplan Professional, the evening celebrated outstanding achievements and innovation across the advice community. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as finalists and winners were announced across multiple categories. Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients, your dedication and passion are shaping the future of advice and inspiring others across the sector.
Award Winners:
The event was a testament to the power of community, innovation, and shared learning. As the industry continues to evolve, events like these remind us of the importance of coming together to shape the future of financial advice.
