The need to achieve real scale in advice - and serve all Australians

I see the current push for scalable, digitally-enabled advice as both an overdue evolution and a profound leadership challenge for our sector. We're not just talking about efficiency gains or regulatory box-ticking; we're being called to fundamentally rethink how we deliver value to all Australians-not just those who fit the traditional advice model.

What resonates with me is that the real opportunity isn't about choosing between digital and human-it's about orchestrating both to meet people where they are. The most sustainable practices are those that blend robust technology with authentic, human-centred engagement. The hybrid model isn't a threat to professional advice; it's an amplifier of it, freeing up advisers to focus on the nuanced coaching and strategy that clients truly value.

But let's be honest: technology alone won't close the advice gap. We need regulatory courage, business model innovation, and a willingness to let go of legacy thinking. The future belongs to those who can design advice journeys that are as intuitive and accessible as the best consumer apps, yet anchored in the fiduciary standards and technical rigour our profession demands.

The next generation of clients-whether they're disengaged super members or digital-native wealth accumulators-are telling us what they want: relevance, transparency, and empowerment. It's up to us to listen, adapt, and lead. If we get this right, we don't just grow our businesses; we rebuild trust and extend the social licence of advice to millions more Australians.