Aware Super strengthens support for financial advisers

Aware Super is introducing better support to financial advisers as it antes up the delivery of education with licensees and advisers, in a move to expand its advice relationships capability.

To better focus on the initiative, the $235 billion super fund has created the role of senior manager technical services, appointing Troy Smith from Zurich Insurance.

In his new role, Smith reports to national manager advice relationships Warwick Gribble.

The role sits within the advice relationships team and Smith is responsible for developing and delivering technical education to licensees and advisers through professional development events and webinars, Aware Super said. He will also provide technical support to financial advisers working with the fund across complex client scenarios.

Smith brings more than 15 years' experience in financial services, providing strategic guidance and technical matter and regulatory changes. He was most recently the partnership disputes resolution manager at Zurich, after a five-year stint at Insignia Financial in similar capacities.

Prior to that, he spent almost a decade at OnePath, which was later acquired by Insignia Financial (formerly IOOF) between 2011 and 2019. Smith also had stints at ANZ, Challenger, Mercer, PSK Private Wealth, and RetireInvest earlier in his career.

Commenting on the appointment, general manager growth and partnerships Natalie Jarvis said Smith will 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."

She added many members value personalised financial advice.

"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," Jarvis said.