In this preview report (the full report will be published in a few weeks), Barclays reviews the performance of the global ETF market in 2008. The report notes that the use of ETFs by IFAs is likely to increase in the UK due to regulatory proposals outlined on November 25 as part of the Retail Distribution Review. The proposals outline changes the UK Financial Services Authority wants to make for the retail investment market to establish a new level of consumer trust and confidence by distinguishing between independent advice and sales advice.

In this report, Lincoln notes the significant deterioration in the health of the Australian sharemarket and the resulting opportunities created for long-term investors.  

The report, authored by Deutsche Asset Management's global climate change investment research team, provides a detailed analytical framework for understanding the opportunities for investing in climate change. It also notes that an economic downturn offers governments across the developed world a prime opportunity to boost their spending on ‘green’ infrastructure as a stimulus to avoid severe recession.

This research on the Australian funds management industry identifies industry funds as the main competitive threat for "for profit" retail funds in the mass superannuation market in Australia. Beyond the current cyclical issues for listed fund managers (i.e. weak investment markets and reduced net flows), potential structural headwinds are also examined.

Why investors who give up on equities risk missing a recovery that could help them recoup some of their market losses.

Are boutique managers a good way to add some spice to your equity portfolio? What are the risks of being left with a bad taste? These are some of the questions answered in this review of the growth and lifecycle of boutique equity managers in the Australian market.

This is a summary overview of the HOTM report, providing sector-by-sector analysis of the Australian sharemarket. While the ‘health of the market’ has deteriorated over the six months to December 2007, Lincoln finds that opportunities remain for long-term investors.

This market overview outlines the current opportunities in property investment and shows how financial planners can now access the vital tools to capitalise on this huge investment market.

The report examines trends in housing affordability and consumer behaviour that indicate future generations of Australians will be less likely to enter old age with their mortgage paid off and their home underpinning their financial security in retirement.

This paper discusses the many reasons why Australian investors should further explore the world of investment opportunities available outside Australia.

This report examines the financial landscape of the Middle East and its viability as a bona fide and sustainable financial centre, as well as the main themes and trends that hold future significance for the region.

A comparison of the financial regulatory approaches across 17 jurisdictions including Australia singles out the ‘twin peaks’ model used by Australia as closest to ‘optimal’ and one that a number of other countries are considering.

Watson Wyatt’s analysis of the world’s largest asset managers by investment style, assets and domicile.

The report analyses the macroeconomic factors that drive and inhibit wealth generation and how they influence high net worth individuals (HNWIs) around the world.

In a bear market, the financial services industry, in which participants are remunerated by commissions based on volumes, may be tempted to 'cut corners' when it comes to compliance to achieve the same income as previously enjoyed in a bull market. But in this white paper, the Australasian Compliance Institute argues such industries should increase their spending on compliance, not the reverse. 

An excerpt from the qualitative research report detailing what pricing models are being used by advisers in Australia, and how advisers are remunerated for their advice and services.

This report identifies ways in which planners can build trust-based relationships with both new and existing clients, and ensure the relationship endures over the long term.

Since 2002, Business Health has released a series of white papers providing insight into the health of the Australian advisory industry and its preparedness for the future. This latest paper reveals significant improvement in the overall health of advisory firms since the Future Ready II analysis was released in October 2004.

Axa’s five key findings on one of the biggest challenges facing the financial advice industry today. The report addresses what practice principals need to do to get their business on track for a seamless transition to retirement.

Research and analysis conducted by Australia-wide Business Training (ABT) and Business Research Associates

This survey identifies areas where financial services firms believe they are performing well and areas where they feel improvements are needed. It may serve as a useful benchmark to measure your business against your peers.

Rice Warner's biennial report on superannuation fees reveals further downward pressure on fees, with overall fees for the industry averaging 1.21 per cent in the year to June 2008, down from 1.26 per cent in the year to June 2006. It also provides estimates of the cost of advice for the corporate, industry and public sector segments.

Zurich questions some of the remaining complexity of Australia's superannuation rules following last year's Better Super reforms, and says much of the complexity is not only causing difficulties in retirement and estate planning but also unfairness in the treatment of different types of people.

This report identifies the major barriers to participation in the government’s superannuation co-contribution scheme and puts forward recommendations to improve take-up by members.

This report provides a comparison of the fees charges by major superannuation funds in the Australian market, including administration and investment costs but excluding in-built adviser commissions.

Key trends and challenges in the global life insurance market, including growing demand from the ageing population for investment products that mitigate risk and provide a guaranteed income stream.

How does Australia measure up when it comes to assessing life risks? An international comparative study, introducing the Axa Underinsurance Index.

This study looks at why people start their own business, what challenges they see in their marketplace, how they see the small-to-medium business sector developing and the plans business owners have to ‘exit’ their organisations.

Who are Generation Y and what are their goals and aspirations? This report provides an insight into the younger generation for any firm looking to capitalise on this emerging market.

ASIC has proposed raising the cap on compensation that can be awarded by an external dispute resolution (EDR) scheme to $280,000, and allowing consumers with a complaint that exceeds a scheme’s compensation cap to waive the excess to access the scheme.

In this speech, Senator Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, expresses his support for fee-for-service and outlines the government’s priorities relevant to the financial planning industry.