Artificial intelligence, cutting-edge technological innovations and the future of the accounting industry: these were the leading insights shared at BGL's Regtech conference I attended earlier this month. Held at the QT Hotel in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, #RegTech26 was a chance to hear directly from BGL and keynote speakers on where technology and AI is heading, connecting with other practitioners from the industry, and reflecting on the key insights to bring back into the practice.
I left with a clearer picture of the role of AI and automation for accountants, and a stronger understanding about why they matter for SMSF clients. Here is what stood out.
The Opening Message: Dare to Change
BGL is the software provider behind Simple Fund 360, a platform used to manage SMSF administration for our clients at Altitude SMSF Accounting.
BGL's CEO, Dan Tramontana, opened with a personal story that set the tone for the rest of the day. He spoke about his family migrating from post-war Italy to Australia, leaving behind everything familiar for the hope of something better. It was a powerful analogy for where accounting firms find themselves right now, facing a landscape reshaped by AI and automation, with a choice about whether to embrace the change or watch it happen from the sidelines.
"The business you are in today is not the one you will be in tomorrow. Do not spectate. Be intentional about what you want."
Dan Tramontana, CEO, BGLHe challenged the room to stop wishing away the hard parts of navigating change and to instead see them through: "Your best days are yet to be lived." A powerful takeaway message that can be applied to all aspects of life, including how accountants should maintain in perspective in ever-shifting times in the tax world.
"Tri-gether": Working with People and AI
One of the most memorable sessions of the day came from Lielette Calleja, Director at businessDEPOT, who introduced a concept that reshaped my approach to working with my clients and the use of AI: Tri-gether; a harmonious three-way relationship between an accountant, a client and AI working together towards a common goal.
Her insight was simple but striking: people are already using AI in their everyday lives, from writing shopping lists, buying a new pair of shoes to planning their next holiday. Accounting firms should be realistic that their clients are also using AI to understand tax laws including with SMSFs, before they even spoke with their accountant. The question for the accounting industry is then whether accounting firms work with that reality or against it.
Tri-gether is about choosing to work with it. Rather than resisting clients bringing AI-generated answers into a conversation, the opportunity is to engage with those answers, help people understand where AI gets things right, and where it can fall short. AI tools, while powerful, can still produce hallucinations or surface information that is outdated, out of context, or simply not applicable to an individual's situation.
A key takeaway for me: working alongside someone's AI research is not about competing with AI. It is about adding the layer of judgment, context, and personalised advice that AI cannot provide. For anyone managing an SMSF, where the stakes are high and the rules are complex where AI does not get it right - which could consequently result in breaches of the law by SMSF trustees and penalties imposed.
Rather, a combination of AI-assisted research as a starting point followed discussions with a qualified accountant builds a far stronger foundation for good decision-making. It has changed how I think about working with my own clients and the AI searches they bring into our conversations.
AI is a useful tool that is here to stay and will only get better over time. Therefore, it is important for accounting firms to begin exploring its capabilities to stay ahead of changes in technology and legislation, or risk getting left behind.
What AI Actually Changes for Accountants
Another session from the conference focused on practical habits for practice growth: the more a firm can automate its manual repetitive processes, the more time can be spent on delivering services that providing meaningful value for clients.
The current reality is that AI will not replace accountants. Rather they have the potential to be genuinely powerful tools that can support accountants and their clients, when used efficiently and effectively. In turn, accountants like myself get to then focus on what matters most: working with clients to understand their goals, circumstances and their aspirations to get in the best results possible.
My Final Thoughts & Takeaways
Walking into Regtech26 earlier this month, I honestly expected it just to takeaway some industry updates and check out some of the latest technology innovations. However, it turned out to be so much more than that. The opening address by BGL's CEO was genuinely motivating, and the sessions throughout the day gave me a lot to think about, particularly around AI and how I approach it both within the practice and in conversations with clients.
The biggest takeaway for me was getting to terms with the reality that clients are already using AI and will continue to do so. Therefore rather than objecting its use, the "Tri-gether" approach provides opportunities, particularly where it encourages clients to be more curious about tax laws and compliance requirements. At Altitude, I want to encourage clients not to shy away from using AI tools for preliminary research and calculations, while still being aware of the risks that all AI models face - including providing incorrect or irrelevant information. This is where building strong ongoing relationships with all my clients is important to truly understand their goals and provide valuable insights to help them along the way.
Want to Know More About How We Work?
If you have questions about your SMSF, want to better understand how AI fits the conversation, or are simply thinking about what the right next step looks like for you, feel free to get in touch. I am always happy to have a conversation.
This article reflects personal observations and takeaways from the BGL Regtech26 conference held on 12 August 2026. It is written for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal or taxation advice. Altitude SMSF Accounting Pty Ltd does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Always seek independent professional advice before making decisions about your superannuation or financial arrangements.