2025 October E-Newsletter
A Message from our Executive Director
Welcome to the October Newsletter.
RMA Australia was pleased to present our October networking event in Sydney — the annual Economic Update with Westpac’s Chief Economist, Luci Ellis. It was a full house as Luci delivered a deeply insightful overview of the Australian economy in the context of global trends, vis-à-vis major economies such as the US and China.
While the presentation addressed the serious issues shaping the global economic environment, Luci’s wry humour lightened the mood and kept the audience fully engaged. It was this balance that made for another excellent Economic Update.
A special thank you to Lucy Masters, Acting Chief Audit Officer, Westpac and RMA Australia Governance and Management Committee member, for superbly moderating the session and to Andriana Naziridis for her seamless organisation and coordination of the event. We thank Westpac for their continued support of this highlight on our annual events calendar.
Earlier this month, we also presented the webinar In Conversation with Andrew Hinchliff, hosted by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).
Having commenced as Group Chief Risk Officer in February 2025, this was a unique opportunity to hear Andrew’s perspectives. The session attracted 900 member registrations, the second highest of the year, behind AI in Action: Practical Applications of AI in Risk Management in June. It was an engaging and insightful discussion exploring key foundations of the risk function, including strategies for achieving effective risk outcomes and the importance of looking over the horizon.
Andrew’s candour and willingness to share personal experiences and data added real depth to the session. Special thanks to Andrew, moderator Lisa Phyland, and the CBA team for their valuable contributions.
As the premier association for risk management professionals in the Australian financial services community, RMA Australia is dedicated to advancing excellence in risk management practice. We provide exclusive platforms for members to expand and share their knowledge through access to high-calibre speakers and risk leaders not readily available to other organisations.
Our strategic webinar and events program fosters continuous professional growth and development, supports effective risk management education and training, and keeps members informed of emerging risks and developments.
We have commenced planning our 2026 Events & Webinar schedule. Please get in touch via [email protected] if you have any topic suggestions or would like to host in 2026.
Richard Gilbert
Executive Director
RMA Australia
Spotlight On…
⭐ Dan Wong – GGM, Operational Risk & CRO, Group Services | Group Risk, ANZ ⭐
Dan is the Group General Manager, Operational Risk and Chief Risk Officer, Group Services at ANZ, joining the bank in June 2025. He is responsible for providing risk oversight to the business, ensuring operational resilience, driving safe growth, and championing responsible innovation. Dan is a passionate advocate for cultivating a proactive risk culture that empowers all colleagues in their approach to managing risk. We also congratulate Dan on his recent appointment to the RMA Australia Governance and Management Committee. Learn more about Dan here.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing risk professionals in our industry?
Key challenges facing risk professionals are largely driven by the accelerating pace of digital transformation, the complexity of the global landscape and the evolving regulatory environment. This is increasingly defined by the interconnectedness of different risk types and the constant evolution of emerging threats.
What are the main benefits of being an RMA Australia member?
RMA Australia offers valuable opportunities to connect with other risk professionals and gain practical insights from across the industry. Membership gives access to RMA events and I encourage members to make the most of these opportunities.
How does this align with your organisational values?
Being a member of the RMA is aligned with and actively supports our organisational values and strategic pillars, particularly those focused on risk, integrity and continuous improvement.What topic (s) would you like to see included in the 2026 RMA Australia webinar/events calendar?
- Geopolitical risk and its impacts
- Navigating governance and risks of AI adoption
- Technology and Operational Resilience
⭐ Next month, we feature Lucy Masters, Acting Chief Audit Officer at Westpac. We ask Lucy about her new role and why RMA Australia remains a vital membership organisation for the Financial Services industry. ⭐
🎓 Emerging Career Risk Professionals (ECRP) Member Recruitment Campaign
Are you looking to widen your risk lens, grow your network and get real-time insights from across the industry?
RMA Australia’s newly developed Emerging Career Risk Professionals Committee sees early-to-mid career professionals stepping into the fold — to not just learn, but to lead.
Our existing ECRP members create a space that is genuinely different and first of its kind. Carefully planned with risk-based intentions, the ECRP has been designed to test ideas, share experiences, and build confidence before stepping into that next big thing.
We’re creating an open, collaborative, and practical environment where:
🧠 Risk minds from across sectors come together to workshop real challenges
(with the exclusion of company secrets!)
🤝 You can practice and gain confidence in how industry committees run
(you won’t find suits or silos here)
🌱 And you can grow alongside a “brains trust” of peers who are just as curious, driven, and future focused as you are.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your strategic view, build your confidence in roundtables, or just meet others navigating the same career waters, this is your space.
Interested? Complete our Recruitment Form here. We’re looking for new members.
Let’s build the future of risk leadership, together 🚀
📖 Risk Resources
📩 October Issue of AUSTRAC InBrief.
In this issue, you will find information about:
- Their national reforms awareness campaign launch
- The new AML/CTF rules
- Lessons learned from the Mounties case.
Visit our Risk Resources page here
Upcoming Events
Visit the Events Page on our website for updates.
