2026 speakers

Nathan Fradley is the founder of Fradley Advice, an dependant firm specialising on emotionally & technically complex client situations including Aged Care, Divorce, Co-Living and Estates.

Nathan is also the Co-Host of the popular financial adviser podcast “Challenge the Standard in Financial Advice”, and is makes frequent appearances speaking at conferences talking all things Advice.

Natallia Smith has dedicated her career to empowering women to achieve financial security and independence. She is the owner and principal financial adviser at TruWealth Advice, a business she founded in 2010 after a successful corporate career in financial services.
As a business owner and woman who has navigated many of life’s transitions, Natallia understands firsthand the financial challenges women face, particularly during times of change and uncertainty.
With a strong educational background—including a Master of Business (Banking and Finance) from Monash University, an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning), and a degree in Psychology—she blends financial expertise with emotional intelligence to guide her clients toward financial confidence and security.
Natallia specialises in assisting pre-retiree single women in navigating life's pivotal moments, including separation, divorce, retirement, and the loss of a loved one. She is passionate about ensuring women feel informed, in control, and empowered to make sound financial decisions.
In 2025, she was named a Finalist in the Financial Planner of the Year – VIC category for the Women in Wealth Awards. She is also a committed member of the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) and a committee member of the Boutique Financial Planning Association (BFP).

Andrew Lowe is the Head of Technical Services for Challenger. Andrew and the Challenger Tech Team are responsible for the development and delivery of technical content, tools and advice for advisers. Andrew’s areas of interest include pre and post-retirement planning, superannuation (including SMSFs), Social Security, aged care and the regulatory environment for the provision of financial advice. Andrew has more than 20 years technical experience including technical roles with AMP, ING and ANZ. Andrew has qualifications in Commerce, Law and Financial Planning.

Ben Marshan is a seasoned professional in financial services, advocacy, and government relations, with over 19 years of experience in the field. Specialising in strategy, professional standards, risk and compliance, and member support. Ben has a proven track record of helping businesses navigate significant regulatory changes and deliver financial services efficiently. Ben now supports financial services businesses as a thought leader and consultant through Marshan Consulting. Ben has also co-founded Impaktful, which is creating tools and services to help Australians find purpose in their retirement through philanthropy and volunteering. Ben is also a Director of the Future2 Foundation - the foundation for all financial service professionals, with the aim to build stronger financial futures for Australians in need.

Before founding Marshan Consulting, Ben served as Director of Policy at the Council of Australian Life Insurers and spent 8 years as Head of Policy, Standards, Strategy, and Innovation at the Financial Planning Association of Australia. He also worked as a Financial Planner and Senior Manager at State Super Financial Services (now Aware Super) and as KPMG’s financial advice subject matter expert.

Ben holds the Certified Financial Planner® and Life Risk Specialist® designations, an MBA, a Master of Commerce in Financial Planning, a Bachelor of Science with first-class honours, and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jamie Melville is Managing Director and Head of Merchant Wealth Partners Australia, leading national strategy and supporting partner firms to drive sustainable growth. He previously spent over 20 years at Macquarie in senior wealth roles, most recently heading the Virtual Adviser Network, with deep expertise in adviser leadership, practice management, and technology‑enabled advice.

Trish is a multi-award-winning CFP® Financial Adviser, having worked with clients from 18 to 90 years old. With a Masters in Financial Planning, Trish brings her unique life experience into every interaction to truly understand what is important to each and every client. After almost a decade of providing holistic goals-based financial advice, in 2025 Trish pivoted to specialise in providing Insurance-Only advice to serve an ever-growing cohort of uninsured Australians. In her spare time, Trish chases after her three children, tends to her edible garden, cares for her quails and goes on the occasional hike.

Ben Nash is a Financial Adviser and the founder of Pivot Wealth, the Author of three best-selling books, and the host of the Mo Money Podcast. Ben and Pivot help people invest smarter so they can create a life not limited by money.

Ben has been recognised as part of the 50 most Influential Financial Advisers in Australia for nine consecutive years since 2017, and Pivot Wealth is Australia’s most awarded financial advice company.

Ben’s content and profile building has resulted in Pivot Wealth achieving compound growth of 50% over 10 years, and being recognised by the AFR’s Fast 100 as one of the fastest growing companies in Australia. This work has resulted in a long term partnership with the National Rugby League (NRL) to create and deliver their financial education program for professional players, and leading organisations including the Australian Government, Newscorp, Glaxosmith Kleine, WeWork, Pearler, SelfWealth, Raiz Invest, VoltBank, Work-Shop, and Publicis Media, among others.

Ben has used social strategies to build his profile within the financial advice industry and beyond it to drive business growth, and in his session he will unpack the journey step-by-step.

Eugene Ardino is the Chief Executive of Lifespan Financial Planning, one of Australia’s largest privately-owned financial advice communities. With a career at Lifespan dating back to 2007, Eugene has held a broad range of roles within the business, including Business Analyst, adviser, Compliance Manager and General Manager, before stepping into the role of CEO in 2015.

Driven by a passion for making it simple for advisers to deliver quality advice, Eugene continually champions the issues affecting advisers, from the affordability of advice to ongoing legislative change. He also continues to personally advise a number of clients to maintain a grounded understanding of these challenges.

Eugene holds a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Mathematics) from the University of Sydney, a Diploma of Financial Planning, and was named Executive of the Year - Dealer Group at the 2025 Australian Wealth Management Awards.

Phil is the CEO of Skye Wealth, a firm on a mission to help everyday Australians protect their income, lifestyle and loved ones through clear and affordable financial advice. Leading a values-driven team, Phil is passionate about making quality advice accessible and building a practice that financial advisers can trust to look after their clients with the same care they would themselves.