FPA attempts to ban Raftery from conference

The email from FPA chief executive Dante De Gori to Deakin University lecturer Marc Olynyk, which was seen by ifa, was sent on Friday, 16 November.

“I am writing to you concerning the attendance of Adrian Raftery at the 2018 FPA Professional Congress to be held next week in Sydney,” Mr De Gori wrote.

“This relates to Adrian’s role as chair of the AIOFP and the public comments that have been made by the AIOFP about the FPA and the profession in general, which we do not support.

“Through me, the FPA respectively requests that Deakin University withdraw Adrian Raftery from any participation at the FPA Professionals Congress. This includes attendance as an exhibitor and/or as a delegate.

“I would appreciate that this request is escalated to the head of the department for action and I am happy to discuss further if required.”

FPA chair Neil Kendall was copied into Mr De Gori’s email, which the CEO said was confirmation that the decision to ban Mr Raftery is supported by the FPA board.

Mr Raftery was appointed chairman of the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals (AIOFP) in August this year.

He is a lecturer and head of financial planning at Deakin University and principal of boutique accounting firm Mr Taxman, as well as a vocal social media participant and charity fundraiser.

The AIOFP chair and a handful of members have been lobbying politicians on both sides of government over the controversial FASEA education requirements for financial advisers.

The FPA’s 2018 Professionals Congress kicks off today in Sydney.

“We look forward to announcing informative, motivational and engaging speakers as part of the program in the lead up to congress,” Mr De Gori said in a statement.

“They will share relevant, up-to-the-minute insights and information that will benefit delegates both personally, and professionally.”