The Chairs of the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (AIOFP) and the Institute of Financial Professionals Australia (IFPA), Professor Sarath Delpachitra and Mr Stephen Ware, are pleased to announce that both associations have formally agreed to enter into a strategic alliance. In an evolving financial services landscape, this alliance ensures that the interests of independently owned financial professionals are effectively represented. Initially non-binding, the alliance will be governed by a mutually agreed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
IFPA represents a community of approximately 4,000 financial professionals spanning accounting, bookkeeping, financial advice, and superannuation. Formerly known as Tax & Super Australia, IFPA has been a trusted source of professional guidance and advocacy since 1912. AIOFP, with around 5,000 financial advisers operating under 120 AFSL practice members, is a leading voice for independently owned financial advice firms. While each organisation serves distinct professional needs, their commercial and structural synergies make this partnership highly compelling.
A key component of this collaboration is the expansion of professional development opportunities across both memberships. AIOFP members will now have access to the highly regarded IFPA Conference & Expo in April, benefiting from dedicated Superannuation and Financial Services content. Similarly, IFPA members will be welcomed at AIOFP’s National Conference in August, which will feature an expanded program incorporating more tax-related sessions. In addition to this, the organisations will combine to advocate for common sense reform of the regulatory environment with particular reference to the inclusion of accountants to provide structural superannuation advice and the compensation scheme of last resort (CSLR).
For IFPA members looking to sell their practice or establish advisory partnerships for their clients, this alliance provides significant opportunities. Likewise, AIOFP members seeking to strengthen their accounting relationships will gain access to a broad and trusted professional network. Additionally, IFPA members exploring new revenue streams will benefit from seamless entry into AIOFP’s well-regarded Succession Planning program, ensuring long-term business continuity and client retention.
Beyond these practical advantages, this strategic alignment strengthens the profession’s collective capacity to engage with policymakers. By fostering greater collaboration between two well-established associations, this alliance creates a more coordinated and influential voice in key regulatory and legislative discussions.