IFSA acknowledges industry specialists

The Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA) has honoured some of the industry’s leading authorities in technical services, taxation, public policy and administration in its inaugural industry awards.

IFSA chairman Doug McTaggart says the four awards handed out acknowledge individuals who have contributed over and above the call of duty to the industry.

Honoured in the ceremony on Friday was MLC chief tax counsel, Michael Brown - an active member of the tax working group since 1998.

“Michael is recognised as one of our industry tax gurus, he has been a tireless worker both at IFSA and at the two member companies for which he has worked,” McTaggart says.

Also awarded was Colonial First States general manager strategy, Nicolette Rubinsztein.

McTaggart says Rubinsztein has contributed a considerable amount of personal time to IFSA processes and to coordinating the affairs of her member company over a long period.

“Her analysis of issues and thought leadership on the fees and charges debate have been outstanding,” McTaggart says.

Macquarie Bank division director of technical services David Shirlow was the third recipient named in the awards ceremony.

Shirlow was acknowledged for his efforts in the superannuation industry dating back to the early 1990’s.

“David's outstanding contribution has been the recent passage of market linked income streams or growth pensions. In June 2004 his efforts were rewarded when the Senate agreed to the TAP reforms which commence on 20 September,” the IFSA chairman says.

The final award handed out was to IFSA’s own senior policy manager Bill Stanhope.

McTaggart says Stanhope has forged a reputation as being one of the nation's foremost retirement incomes experts.

“In the time Bill has been at IFSA the industry has benefited greatly from his exceptional policy skills and sheer dedication to building a better retirement incomes system,” he says.