The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr June Smith as the Deputy Chief Ombudsman following a nationwide search. 

Dr Smith has been promoted from Lead Ombudsman Superannuation, Advice, Investments and Life Insurance.

AFCA Chief Executive and Chief Ombudsman David Locke announced the appointment and noted Dr Smith’s proven track record at AFCA and predecessor schemes.

“June has a wealth of financial sector experience and well-developed relationships with regulators, industry and consumer groups,” Mr Locke said.

“June is well recognised for her work developing codes of practice to improve customer outcomes, along with her efforts in promoting professional standards and business ethics in the financial advice industry.”

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr Smith said she was excited about the challenges ahead, and one of her first projects was to oversee AFCA’s Fairness Project.

“Fairness underpins everything we do and how stakeholders perceive us and our role in complaints resolution,” Dr Smith said.

“Work has already commenced on a new Fairness Project to investigate how we can ensure AFCA decisions are made fairly and to identify a framework for confirming that complaints are consistently resolved in a way that is fair, efficient, timely and independent.” 

AFCA has also today announced the appointment of Evelyn Halls as Lead Ombudsman Banking and Finance. Evelyn has been promoted from Ombudsman Banking and Finance Decisions.

“Evelyn has demonstrated a strong commitment to fairness and justice throughout her career,” Mr Locke said.

“Evelyn is a proactive and customer focused leader and will ensure AFCA continues to deliver justice for consumers and increase transparency in the banking and finance sector.”

Both appointments are effective from 29 July 2019.                                                                                      

About Dr June Smith

Dr Smith was previously AFCA’s Lead Ombudsman Investments, Advice, Superannuation and Life Insurance.

Dr Smith was also CEO of the Code Compliance Monitoring Committee for the Code of Banking Practice, and General Manager of Code Compliance and Monitoring at Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Dr Smith has a PhD in Law from Victoria University, specialising in professional and business ethics and organisational decision-making within financial services organisations. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Melbourne.

Dr Smith’s current appointments include:

• Member, Victorian Racing Tribunal
• Adjunct Fellow, College of Law and Justice, Victoria University
• Member, Racing Victoria Appeals and Disciplinary Board
• Member, ANZOA
• Graduate Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Member, Women on Boards
   

About Evelyn Halls

Evelyn has over 20 years of experience in the legal and financial services industry. Prior to the establishment of AFCA, Evelyn spent six years as an Ombudsman at FOS. Evelyn has worked across a range of product areas, including Banking and Finance, General Insurance and Investments and Advice.

Evelyn was previously a partner in the Corporate Group at global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills where she advised corporate and government clients on a wide range of governance matters and significant transactions.

Evelyn holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from the University of Melbourne. She is also a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course.

Evelyn is a two-time Olympian and an Executive member of the Australian Olympic Committee. She is also an Integrity Commissioner for Cricket Victoria.

Published: 30 July 2019

Media enquiries media@afca.org.au

About AFCA

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) is a non-government ombudsman service providing free, fair and independent help with financial disputes. It is a one-stop-shop for consumers and small businesses who have a dispute with their financial firm, over things such as banking, credit, insurance, advice, investments or superannuation. Where an agreement cannot be reached between parties, AFCA can issue decisions that are binding on financial firms.