Financial Advice Association Australia Appoints New Directors
The Financial Advice Association Australia has confirmed the addition of two new board members following a member-led election.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People
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The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has elected Natallia Smith and Pedro Marin Ramirez to serve on its board of directors. Additionally, current member Deborah Kent has been re-elected to her position, while Sheila Gutierrez-Cabacungan is set to retire from the board.
Why it matters
These board changes represent the shifting leadership composition within Australia's professional financial advisory sector. The new appointments reflect the member-led governance model that guides the association's strategic direction for the coming years.
The newly elected board directors will each serve a standard three-year term. These appointments follow an industry-wide member-led election process.
The players
Natallia Smith
She is the founder of the financial firm TruWealth, which she established in 2010.
Pedro Marin Ramirez
He is the founder of Marin Wealth, a practice he launched in Brisbane in 2023.
Deborah Kent
She is an existing board member of the FAAA who has successfully secured re-election.
Sheila Gutierrez-Cabacungan
She is an outgoing director of the association who is retiring from her board position.
Financial Advice Association Australia
This is the primary professional body representing financial advisers across Australia.
The details
Natallia Smith, who founded TruWealth in 2010, and Pedro Marin Ramirez, who established Brisbane-based Marin Wealth in 2023, will join the leadership team. The formal transition, including the retirement of Sheila Gutierrez-Cabacungan, is slated for the annual general meeting.
Timeline
Natallia Smith began her career as a financial adviser in 2003.
Natallia Smith founded TruWealth in 2010.
Pedro Marin Ramirez established Marin Wealth in 2023.
The new board members will be formally appointed on 23 November 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs under the framework of the FAAA constitution's member-led governance protocols, which mandate specific election procedures for board positions. The shift helps maintain a competitive balance within the financial advisory industry as the board navigates evolving regulatory standards.
The changes in board leadership do not immediately alter the day-to-day service offerings for clients working with these financial firms. However, the appointment of experienced practitioners ensures that the association remains focused on the standards affecting local financial advice practices.
The takeaway
Board elections are essential for maintaining professional standards and accountability in the financial advisory sector. Investors and clients should remain aware of leadership shifts that may influence the long-term strategic priorities of industry bodies.
What happens next
The new board directors will be formally appointed during the annual general meeting on 23 November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on sector leadership updates, see People.
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