Ex-SMSF Association chair takes on position again

Andrew Hamilton, who was chair of the SMSF Association for two years from 2012-2014, has again been named chair of the organisation.

Hamilton first joined the board in February of 2011.

He takes over from Robin Bowerman, who briefly held the position following the departure of Deborah Ralston, will remain on the board as deputy chair. Ralston stood down a few months before the end of her term to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest after being appointed to the Retirement Income Review panel.

Bowerman says the SMSF Association chair is in great hands. "[Hamilton] brings enormous knowledge of the industry, a wide experience about the Association, and a deep understanding of the issues facing our members."

He also acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor, Deborah Ralston, "in what was a challenging period for our Association, as well as the full support I received from the staff under the leadership of our CEO, John Maroney."

Hamilton says it's an honour to be asked to chair the organisation. "Although our industry is in a period of enormous change, I remain confident that the new regulatory, legislative, and educational framework, which aims to raise the standards across the industry, will be conducive to a business environment in which the SMSF specialist can flourish."

The SMSF Association represents the SMSF sector, which includes more than 1.1 million members with more than $750 billion funds under management.