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Upcoming webinar
AFCA Case Studies: Risk Advice
Thursday 11 June 2026
12:00pm – 1:00pm AEST
Up to 1 CPD hour available
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Session Overview
Join Robert Kimberley, Head of Professional Standards (FAAA), Louise Cowden, Ombudsman (Investments and Advice) (AFCA), and Patrick Hartney, Senior Ombudsman (Investments and Advice) to discuss significant decisions on risk advice and the implications of these for the adviser community.
Meet your speakers
Louise Cowden
Ombudsman, Investments and Advice
Louise has over 16 years of experience in financial services complaints handling. She began her career at the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) in the UK, where she worked as a Case Manager. Louise migrated to Australia in 2009 and joined the predecessor scheme to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) in 2012. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles within both FOS and AFCA, gaining expertise across a broad range of financial products and services. Louise was appointed Ombudsman in the Investments and Advice team in July 2025 and brings extensive experience in dealing with complex financial disputes.
Patrick Hartney
Senior Ombudsman, Investments and Advice
Patrick completed a bachelor of law and bachelor of business at La Trobe University prior to commencing his professional career as a lawyer in private practice.
From practising law, Patrick commenced his AFCA career in 2018 initially working in case management. Patrick then moved into people management before entering the decision maker space in 2023.
Outside of AFCA, Patrick has a strong connection to many local sporting clubs and associations. He has filled the roles of coach, captain, committee member, tribunal member and chair and events coordinator.
Robert Kimberley
Head of Professional Standards & Accountability
Rob has been working with the FAAA since March 2021 and is responsible for delivering the FAAA’s professionalism function.
He has over 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry in Australia and internationally, working in both the public and private sectors, for wealth management firms, top tier banking groups and regulatory bodies, specialising in dispute resolution and advice review.
