2026 March E-Newsletter

A Message from our Executive Director

Dear Members,

Welcome to our March E-newsletter.

Our events calendar is well underway, with our KPMG event on AML/Financial Crime: Navigating AUSTRAC Reforms proving to be a highlight as a result of the following key topics discussed:

 

 

• Overview of AML/CTF reforms and AUSTRAC’s updated obligations
• Practical steps for organisations to strengthen financial crime controls
• Adapting to regulatory change and preparing for future compliance challenges

Thank you to Protiviti for running our second webinar in March: Workforce Disruption and the Future Risks of the Labour Market.

It was a highly practical and pragmatic session, with plenty of actionable guidance for our Emerging Risk Professionals (ECRP) and other young risk professionals. The key takeaway: continue to build your AI capability while actively promoting your skills internally. At the same time, don’t underestimate the importance of critical soft skills. They remain essential in this evolving landscape.

As we approach the end of March, we also mark the close of another membership year.

2025/26 set a new record for RMA Australia membership, with 4000+ members by the end of March 2026.

We thank you for your continued support and engagement with RMA Australia.

I’m pleased to confirm that our zero-fee model for individual memberships will continue into the 2026/27 membership year. If you are employed by one of our Institutional Members, you are entitled to a complimentary individual membership.

A reminder that all current members must renew their membership from 1 April to continue accessing our webinars, networking events, mentoring sessions, and forums.*

To join as an Individual Member for the first time, or to renew your membership, please click the link below.

Kind regards,
Richard Gilbert
Executive Director
RMA Australia

*Subject to membership tier and availability

Board Movements

In January 2026, our Board Chair, Chris Linde (ex-NAB), retired from the Board after more than three and a half years serving as President.

In line with our Rules, Board positions are linked to service within an RMA Australia member company. We extend our sincere thanks to Chris for his outstanding leadership and contribution during his tenure.

NAB has nominated Shari Emin, Head of Retail and Personal Risk, to join the Board. We warmly welcome Shari.

We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Lucy Masters, Chief Audit Officer at Westpac, as President.

Following Lucy’s appointment, Dan Wong, Group GM Operational Risk and CRO, Group Services at ANZ, has assumed the role of Secretary.

For more information on our Governance and Management Committee, please click here

📷 Shari Emin, Head of Retail and Personal Risk, NAB (Source: LinkedIn)

2026-27 Membership

A reminder that all current members must renew their membership from 1 APRIL to continue accessing our webinars, networking events, mentoring sessions, and forums.*

2026 – 27 MEMBERSHIP – JOIN OR RENEW NOW 

Please note – if you have joined or renewed your membership since 1 January 2026, you do not need to join/renew again. If you are unsure of your renewal date, please contact our membership team via email [email protected].

Emerging Risks Career Professionals (ECRP) Mentoring Program. What is it and how to get involved.

RMA Australia and the Emerging Career Risk Professionals (ECRP) Committee host quarterly group mentoring sessions where an RMA Australia board member offers 1 hour of their time to mentor a group of approx. 10 mentees who are in financial services in the first 10 years of their risk career.

These sessions offer a unique opportunity to:

• Receive career guidance from an RMA Australia Board Member. Previous mentors include Teena Rowell (CRO Enterprise Risk at Suncorp), Guy Harding (CRO at NGM Group) and Julie Hunter (GM Financial Institutions Risk at CBA).
• Learn how to uplift your skills in the areas most valued by senior risk leaders. This could include personal branding or managing difficult conversations.
• Connect with peers who are also building their careers.

If you’re interested in joining as a mentee, simply fill out the form linked HERE.

Spots are limited – so don’t miss out!

Upcoming Events

16 April l 4 – 5 pm AEST l Webinar l Agentic E-Commerce and Stable Coin l Hosted by PwC

23 April l 4 – 5 pm AEST l Webinar l Geopolitical Risk – An Australian context l Hosted by NAB

Registrations will open soon via our website.