FAAA appoints new board members

The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has appointed two new directors to its board.

Natallia Smith and Pedro Marin Ramirez were elected for a three-year term and will be formally appointed at the FAAA annual general meeting (AGM) on November 23.

Existing board member Deborah Kent has also been re-elected to her position.

"As a member-led organisation, having a majority member-elected board helps us remain close to the advisers we are here to represent and the issues that are important to them," FAAA outgoing chair David Sharpe said.

"On behalf of the board, thank you to all those who took the time to vote and contribute to the process."

Smith is director and principal financial adviser of TruWealth Advice which specialises in helping women approaching retirement or navigating life changes.

She started her career as a financial adviser in 2003 and founded TruWealth in 2010.

Ramirez is the founder of Marin Wealth, a self-licensed Brisbane practice established in 2023, where he is also the responsible manager.

The firm advises on retirement and superannuation strategy, investment and portfolio construction, personal insurance, cash flow and debt, and estate planning, and has a dedicated practice advising clients through separation and divorce.

"The calibre of the candidates was extremely high and it was fantastic to see so many members keen to get involved in their association and play a role in its future," Sharpe said.

"Natallia, Pedro and Deborah offer a diverse range of experience, skills and perspectives from across the financial advice community and will be strong representatives of our association and our profession."

Sheila Gutierrez-Cabacungan will stand down as director following the end of her three-year term.

Sharpe thanked Gutierrez-Cabacungan for her contribution as a director over the past three years.

"Sheila has contributed enormously to the FAAA both as a board member and a volunteer," Sharpe said.

"In particular, her hands-on involvement with our communities across the country has embodied the FAAA's commitment to grassroots engagement. It has been a pleasure working alongside her."

FAAA chair-elect Michelle Veitch will officially assume the role of chair after the AGM, succeeding current chair David Sharpe, whose maximum 10-year tenure as a director concludes at the event.