The SMSF Association has appointed academic Professor Deborah Ralston to its board of directors.
Ralston, who was executive director of the Australian Centre for Financial Studies, will join the board from 1 July.
“SMSFs [self-managed superannuation funds], with about 30 per cent of funds under management in superannuation, represent two areas that interest me enormously — post retirement solutions and innovation, with the latter aligning with my keen interest in fintech — and I look forward to being part of the future director of the association,” Ralston said.
“There can be no argument SMSFs’ use of technology has reduced costs, making them much more viable to people with lower superannuation balances, which is why we see a real change in SMSF demographics with more young people establishing them.”
Ralston has been in leadership positions at Australian universities, as well as being a researcher and a thought leader in financial services, with a particular focus on financial regulation, superannuation, innovation, and commercialisation.
Ralston also has more than 20 years of experience as a non-executive director on public and private sector boards.
