MDA 360 - IMAP's MDA Program

MDA 360 Program Overview

Running an Managed Discretionary Account (MDA) Service can be complex – the IMAP MDA 360 Program is designed to provide you with expert insights from leading specialists to build your MDA understanding and knowledge

Begin your journey on MDA Operating and Advice  with our ‘Introduction to MDAs' webinar, featuring Mason Stevens, and Philo Capital (both experienced providers of MDA services to advisers).

Masterclasses are in-person only at Sydney CBD venues

1. Best Practice Advice using an MDA Service with Simon Carrodus, Hamilton Locke with Jane Zhou, Akambo, and Luke Broxton, First Financial. (28th October 2026) covering:

• What are the laws and regulations that control advice on MDAs?
• How does Best Interest Duty apply to MDA advice?
• How does MDA advice differ from other personal advice?
• What are the specific MDA advice documents and what must they include?
• What does an annual review have to cover and how to evidence it?
• How do we give advice to MDA prospective clients?

2. Responsible Manager for MDA with Jaime Lumsden, Hamilton Locke  (18th November 2026) covering:

• Who can be a Responsible Manager?
• What laws and regulations do RMs need to be aware of?
• What are the obligations – and the risks?
• What does an RM have to do on an ongoing basis?

3. Risk Management for MDA Risks with Sean Pascoe, Crowe with Jenny Mulders, JM GRC Advisory  (9th December 2026) covering:

• Your Risk Management process – what does the law require?
• Setting up your framework – best practice approach
• Identifying, assessing and categorising risk
• Governance and how to evidence ongoing compliance
• MDA specific risks for advice, operations and investment management
• Changes following the updated MDA Instrument from ASIC

Dates:             Thurs 19th -Fri 20th November 2026
Location:        Pier One, Sydney Harbour
Registration: Please register via the link below:

MDA Leadership Summit Overview

This MDA summit will bring together leading MDA participants – providers, platforms, advisers & investment managers – to showcase latest MDA thought-leadership after the release of the revised MDA Legislative Instrument and RG179 due in October 2026.

The summit will focus on the implications and market responses in 4 important areas:

1) Advice, Compliance and Regulation

• Review of updated MDA Instrument

• Simplifying SOA and Investment Programs

• Responsible Manager obligations

• Advice as an External MDA Provider

• Will AI transform MDA Advice?

• Fee disclosure

• Professional Indemnity insurance implications

2) Marketing and Client Engagement

• Servicing the HNW market

• Explaining discretionary management

• The UK Experience

• How did we build a $1bn MDA Program – case study

• How do we manage a $10bn+ MDA book – case study

3) Investments and Portfolio Construction

• Utilising MDA portfolio design flexibility

• Designing portfolios for client specific goals

• What can illiquid / alternatives offer in MDAs

• The platform approach to portfolio management

4) Technology

• Portfolio Management

• Reporting

• Advice

• AI and the future of MDAs

The sessions will be tailored to reflect the most relevant issues and are subject to change.

The following Webinar Series topics are now available on IMAP Connect education to enable you to gain CPD

Each webinar addresses the detailed requirements and issues required to manage an MDA service, and is led by a subject matter expert.

Insurance for MDAs - Stephen Hughes, AJ Gallagher and Jesse Vermiglio, Holley Nethercote

• Is PI still hard to get?
• What type of PI is best for MDA providers?
• How to manage claims

Understanding your Fiduciary Duty as an MDA Provider - Andrew Bradley, HSF Kramer

• What is fiduciary duty and why do MDA Providers have it?
• Practical tips for complying with your obligations
• Do advisers have fiduciary duties?

Identifying and Managing Conflicts of Interest – Jenny Mulders, JM GRC Advisory, and Jesse Vermiglio, Holley Nethercote

• What does the RG181 update mean for MDAs?
• Advice conflicts
• In house product
• Are fees always conflicted?

Fee disclosure for MDAs - Michael Mavromatis, Holley Nethercote

• How RG97 affects MDA Providers
• FSG, SOA, Replacement product advice – disclosure before the event
• Are MDA fees advice fees or product fees?
• Annual fee disclosure

Shifting Ground: Strategic Challenges in Managed accounts for Advisers - Mark Watmore, NMG

If you have any question or comments please contact us:

Jenny Phimleut IMAP Program Director

ph +614 85 528 687

email support@imap.asn.au