MenuFinancial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has appointed David Barrett to the newly created role of senior manager policy & advocacy, effective 24 March 2025. He is based in Sydney and reports to general manager policy, advocacy and standards, Phil Anderson.
The new position has been created to further bolster FAAA’s capabilities as it ramps up its advocacy and policy activities. Mr Barrett’s responsibilities will include assisting with policy formulation, building stakeholder relationships, and developing practical member tools and guidance.
Mr Barrett has over 30 years of experience in financial advice, including technical advice on superannuation, taxation, estate planning and social security entitlements, the adviser professional standards (CPD, education requirements, professional years and adviser exam) and advice processes such as DDO.
During his 25 years at Macquarie Bank, Mr Barrett held various senior roles, including most recently as division director and head of Macquarie Technical Advice Services. He was also a member of the Financial Services Council’s Advice Board Committee and Superannuation Board Committee, where he provided input and guidance on regulatory matters. Prior to Macquarie, Mr Barrett worked at UBS as a financial planning consultant and at an independent financial planning practice.
Mr Anderson said, “David’s appointment as senior manager policy & advocacy will support the continued development and implementation of FAAA’s policy and advocacy goals.
“David’s extensive experience working with financial advisers, particularly in areas such as technical advice, regulatory impacts, and professional standards, will provide a valuable contribution as we work to develop and refine our policy positions and engage with our stakeholders and members.
“We look forward to David contributing to our ongoing efforts in shaping the future of financial advice in Australia.”
Mr Barrett has a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England and holds a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) designation.
