The Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) chief executive, Helen Morgan-Banda, has stepped down from her role and will return to New Zealand after five months in the role.
The AFA’s general manager for policy and professionalism, Phil Anderson, had been appointed as the association’s new CEO. Anderson had been in the acting CEO position for six months prior to Morgan-Banda’s appointment.
“I would like to thank the AFA for the opportunity to contribute during a time of great change for the sector, advisers and the association,” Morgan-Banda said.
“However, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding access to New Zealand and between states in Australia because of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the Omicron variant, has meant that I have decided I wish to go to Melbourne to be close to family before returning to my home country, and family there, when the border allows.”
Commenting, AFA president, Sam Perera said the board thanked Morgan-Banda for her efforts over the last five months.
“The AFA enters 2022 with a clear strategy along with a dedicated and hard-working team. We will strengthen our voice in advocating for policy settings that support vibrant and thriving financial advice practices. We are intent on bringing our communities back together to network, share and socialise in fun and safe environments around the country,” he said.
“The board is highly engaged in developing strategies to ensure the AFA and its important work endures into the future. The AFA team is refreshed and energised by the opportunities that the new year brings for our members.”
