Hon. Bernard (Bernie) Ripoll is an entrepreneur in business development who plays a leading role in the financial services sector following a long career as a federal member of parliament from 1998 till retiring in 2016.

In Government, Bernie was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer leading the portfolios of Corporations & Financial Services, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and other agencies in the Treasury portfolio.

Along with his role as CEO of Smart Capital Group and the Ethical Development Fund Australia, Bernie serves on the boards of Allianz Australia Life Insurance, the Financial and Energy Exchange, the Self Managed Super Funds Association, FinTech platform MapMyPlan, Biogas developer Utilitas Group, and has previously served on not-for-profit boards Inala Primary Care and Crohns and Colitis Australia.

Bernie is passionate about adding value and improving outcomes for the enterprises he represents through his leadership and investment roles. Bernie also maintains a consumer lens in the financial services sector and improving access to affordable housing, disability housing, and health services delivery, along with regular speaking engagements on the conference circuit. Bernie strongly believes in supporting the people and organisations that take risk and create value.

Education

Bachelor of Business, Marketing

Professional Association Memberships

Australian Institute of Company Directors

Public Relations Institute of Australia