The Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA) plans to work more closely with all members of the financial services industry, including industry funds, this year, according to IFSA chair, Richard Gilbert

“We want a more united industry on the issues,” he said. Gilbert launched the association’s conference theme –Connect – and line-up last week which will include Paul Stevens, head of IFSA’s US sister organisation, Investment Company Institute. “That’s taken me three trips to the US to get him,” Gilbert said. Also headlining the conference will be: Ray Greenshields, managing director wealth management at Barclays Bank in the UK; Don Argus, chair of BHP Billiton, and; Simon Jeffreys, global investment management leader PricewaterhouseCoopers UK. Although not presenting Garry Weaven, Industry Fund Services chief, has been asked to appear in a video that will be shown at the conference, as have other heads of industry funds. Strategic priorities for IFSA continue to be the promotion of financial adequacy and consumer confidence in the industry. Improved professionalism and success of IFSA members is also a priority for the coming year, Gilbert said.