Unprecedented times need growth and resilience: SIAA

During unprecedented times, it is important for the financial services industry to balance growth and resilience amid regulatory reforms, the rise of artificial intelligence and an ever-changing geopolitical landscape, according to the Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association (SIAA).

At this year's SIAA Conference, which will take place on May 19-20 at the Park Hyatt Melbourne, Investing in growth and resilience is the key theme that underscores much of what is taking shape in the world right now.

"There is so much going on geopolitically and locally. Economically, we're at a place where resilience is really key to how we operate across the industry. So, we thought having that as a theme was important at this time," SIAA chief executive Maria Lykouras said.

Over two days, the conference will cover hot topics, ranging from technology to geopolitical risks to the intergenerational wealth transfer, and hear from leading experts in their respective fields.

The conference also celebrates the vital role advisers and stockbrokers play in supporting Australia's capital markets - building investor confidence and strengthening financial trust.

This year's conference will feature an interactive fire drill for the first time to simulate a catastrophic event such as the market going down.

The panel will have experts discussing how different parties should respond to such an event and ask for the audience's participation.

"We also have a session on financial abuse with Catherine Fitzpatrick from Flequity Ventures, who is an expert in this space. Advisers and stockbrokers all engage with clients who will be the subject of financial abuse, and sometimes the abusers can use money, and particularly some of our systems and our processes to bring harm," Lykouras said.

"So, this is a really good session for the industry to think about how we can play a role in reducing financial abuse across Australia."

For the first time, SIAA will also raise charitable funds for the Australian Stockbrokers Foundation.

"Generally, we've operated as two separate groups. We're starting to bring our organisations together, so we're going to use the conference as an opportunity to raise funds," she said.

The Australian Stockbrokers Foundation has raised nearly $10 million since its inception, which has been donated to a variety of charities.

Lykouras was appointed chief executive of SIAA last December, replacing Judith Fox, who announced her intention to retire in early 2025.

"This is my first conference as the chief executive, so it's a great opportunity for me to get to connect with all my members, the sponsors and the industry more broadly. We've got a wonderful agenda across the two days," she said.

Financial Standard is the official media partner of the 2026 SIAA Conference.