FPA names new chair

David Sharpe will become chair of the Financial Planning Association of Australia after being appointed deputy chair last year.

Sharpe will replace Marisa Broome, whose term finishes next month.

Commenting on the appointment, Sharpe said there are many challenges facing financial planners and he will work to be an advocate for FPA members and their clients," he said.

Sharpe said he was acutely aware of the frustration caused by over-regulation of financial planning and the detrimental impact this has had on planners and their clients.

"I am also conscious of the growing demand for financial advice, particularly among older Australians who are approaching retirement and it is imperative that the compliance burden driving cost and accessibility are properly addressed by regulators and government," he added.

His priority is to engage with the FPA's members to collectively drive change and ensure financial planning is acknowledged as a respected and vital profession.

Of the outgoing chai,r Sharpe said Broome was an exceptionally passionate advocate for the FPA and conceded that he has big shoes to fill.

For her part, Broome called Sharpe a "safe pair of hands" adding that he is well-placed to build on membership engagement and advocacy of the leadership team.

"I have often said that being the FPA chair has been the greatest privilege of my professional life, and I know David feels the same way. He will build on the strong groundwork that has been laid for real change in our profession, and he brings substantial experience as a practicing certified financial planner to the role."