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Superannuation
Super switching paranoia drives misinformation campaign
The Super Members Council representing profit-to-member funds claims younger and lower-balance Australians are being transitioned by advisers to “risky” platforms and SMSFs, while the Financial Services Council has fired back with data suggesting it is mostly older, wealthier consumers being advised to switch their super. Aleks Vickovich writes the truth, as usual, is probably somewhere in between.
Aleks VickovichMarch 23, 2026
Industry
Ironbark to consolidate brands in shake-up to create national firm
Ironbark Financial Group will combine 15 different businesses into a single super firm with the goal of building a nationally recognised brand. In a rare media interview, CEO and co-founder Chris Larsen tells Professional Planner the goal is to create a national advice firm to become an industry leader and be more transparent with clients.
Chris DastoorMarch 18, 2026
Industry
Insolvent licensees implicated in Shield, First Guardian to get indefinite AFCA memberships
AFCA has given indefinite extensions of the insolvent licensees implicated in Shield and First Guardian, due to concerns that impacted investors haven’t had time to complain. The move comes as the FAAA continues to push for managed investment schemes to be included as part of the external dispute resolution process.
Chris DastoorMarch 3, 2026
Professional Standards1
Govt commences next steps on long-awaited education reforms
Future financial advisers will only need to complete four core financial advice subjects and four “financial concept” subjects as part of a Bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications to fulfil the education standard, as the government commences the long-awaited consultation on the reform.
Chris DastoorMarch 17, 2026
Regulation
Govt was warned MIS reform alone would not have stopped Shield, First Guardian
Freedom of Information documents reveal that Treasury told the government the 2023 managed investment scheme review would not have stopped the Shield and First Guardian collapse, and that a broader policy response was needed.
Chris DastoorMarch 13, 2026
Superannuation1
AustralianSuper’s call for leverage is bold but unnecessary
AustralianSuper's chief liquidity officer Chandu Bhindi has publicly proposed the idea of allowing some super funds to directly use leverage, enabling them to better manage liquidity requirements in crisis situations rather than being forced to sell assets at stressed prices. The Conexus Institute writes that while the idea has some merits, overall it is not necessary and could increase system risk.
David Bell and Geoff WarrenMarch 13, 2026
Opinion
Older Australians at risk of conflicted and inaccurate aged care advice
Gaps in the regulation of financial advice are exposing older Australians and their families to “conflicted, inconsistent and inaccurate” advice on aged care from a growing number of unlicensed providers. Assyat David, director of Aged Care Steps, has five recommendations to strengthen consumer protections.
Assyat DavidFebruary 9, 2026
2026 Advice Policy Summit5
Opposition to CSLR ‘un-Australian’: Shield, First Guardian victim-turned-advocate
A leading advocate for Shield and First Guardian victims has told a room full of major super funds and their lobbyists that any opposition to the expansion of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort was not in the Australian spirit.
Chris DastoorMarch 2, 2026
Managed Accounts
‘Freedom within a framework’: Industry on balancing choice and limitation in advice tech
When it comes to advice tech, licensees must offer “freedom within a framework” that balances choice with some limitations to help drive advice practice efficiency, the Professional Planner Advice Policy Summit heard.
Chris DastoorMarch 6, 2026
Investment
Narrow jaws essential in private credit
The private credit sector is enormous, with a large and growing market of borrowers to service and plenty of investor capital to deploy. But growth demands greater transparency and regulation to strengthen investor protections and ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Professional PlannerMarch 16, 2026
Retirement3
Advice the missing ingredient in world-class retirement system
Australia faces similar demographic challenges to other developed economies in providing a high standard of living to retirees in an ageing population. But we have weakened our system through blocking access to financial advice and delaying reforms to reverse the roadblocks, super and wealth industry leaders told the Retirement Policy Outlook 2026 roundtable, hosted by Professional Planner sister publication Retirement Magazine in partnership with Acenda. The roundtable also featured insights from ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant; APRA deputy chair Margaret Cole; Resolution Life founder, chief executive and chair Sir Clive Cowdery; and Dr David Bell of The Conexus Institute.
Simon HoyleMarch 19, 2026
Risk1
How pro bono advice delivers a helping hand in tough times
Navigating the world of insurance claims can be daunting, especially for people facing significant health or financial challenges. Financial adviser Natalie Lackner volunteered for the Pro Bono Financial Advice Network to help those in need secure access to advice.
Fiona HarrisJanuary 12, 2026
Industry
Profile CEO steps aside after seven years
Profile Financial Services CEO Lena Ridley will step away from the company at the end of next month, ending a nearly seven-year tenure that was marked by sweeping changes in the industry due to the Hayne royal commission, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the divestment of its product arm.
Chris DastoorOctober 10, 2024
Productivity fix needed to boost capacity to 200 clients per adviser