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Industry
New AMP CEO says lead generators a ‘real driver of consumer harm’
In one of his first interviews as chief executive of AMP, Blair Vernon tells Professional Planner that lead generators and introducers conducting business with rival platforms to AMP’s North present a “real risk” to consumers beyond the victims of Shield and First Guardian. The comments come as the Albanese government consults on measures to crack down on super-switching lead generators, including a possible new licensing regime.
Aleks Vickovich and Chris DastoorApril 16, 2026
Industry
Overwhelming majority of shareholders vote for Insignia sale
Shareholders have given the nod to CC Capital’s $3.3 billion acquisition of ASX-listed Insignia Financial, bringing the firm closer to de-listing pending court approval later this week.
Chris DastoorApril 13, 2026
Profiles
Lessons from the middle: Leadership, resilience and the courage of conviction
The principles of high-performance leadership – whether in business or sport – remain remarkably consistent and include the ability to maintain clarity, integrity, and conviction under immense pressure. Former Australian test cricketer Usman Khawaja told the Top1000funds.com Fiduciary Investors Symposium that the only time you really lose is when you stop trying.
Simon HoyleMarch 31, 2026
Licensees
Sequoia says InterPrac guarantee will remain in place after sale
Sequoia Financial Group has scrambled to reassure creditors and potential creditors of its troubled InterPrac Financial Planning licensee subsidiary that a deed of cross-guarantee of its liabilities will remain in place, even if it is sold to Conquest Investment Partners.
Simon HoyleApril 10, 2026
Compliance
ASIC bans Shield, First Guardian-linked adviser for false SOA attributions
The corporate regulator has permanently banned former Venture Egg adviser Aristotle Papapavlou for allegedly presenting Statements of Advice in his name, or in the names of other financial advisers, to clients that neither he nor the other financial advisers had ever met.
Chris DastoorApril 9, 2026
Opinion
The world won’t wait for the investment committee
The institutions managing long-term savings might not be built to respond at the speed the world now moves. The gap between knowing and acting – which, ultimately, is where all risk lives – is one they can’t afford to keep open.
Colin Tate AMApril 10, 2026
Retirement1
Progressing DBFO is critical to reducing the risk of a Shield, First Guardian repeat
Progressing advice reform via the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes is critical to improving retirement standards and will help reduce the risk of a repeat of the Shield and First Guardian collapse, write The Conexus Institute’s David Bell and Geoff Warren ahead of the Professional Planner Advice Policy Summit at the National Press Club.
David Bell and Geoff WarrenFebruary 22, 2026
Industry
InterPrac adviser banned for impersonating other advisers on SOAs
ASIC has banned InterPrac Financial Planning adviser Nicholas Hogan for four years for being involved in allegedly presenting Statements of Advice in the name of other advisers. The banning comes after a Professional Planner investigation cast a spotlight on Shield and First Guardian clients receiving fraudulently signed SOAs.
Chris DastoorMarch 30, 2026
Professional Standards2
FAAA looks overseas to address chronic shortage of advisers
A Financial Advice Association Australia submission to Jobs and Skills Australia recommending “financial adviser” and “paraplanner” be added to the 2026 Occupation Shortage List would open up pathways to recruiting from overseas to fill a significant and growing shortfall in the number of advisers needed to meet the demand for advice from an aging population.
Simon HoyleMarch 19, 2026
InFocus
Volatile markets put minimum volatility strategies in the spotlight
The assumption that higher risk equals higher returns is generally true, however, BlackRock believes there is empirical evidence that less risky stocks deliver similar or even better risk-adjusted returns than higher volatility stocks over the long term.
Professional PlannerApril 7, 2026
Roundtables
Role of advice central to defaults, decumulation debate
As a wave of super fund members approaches retirement, funds are grappling with how to help as many of them as they can to enjoy their best possible retirement. The Defaults, Decumulation and Demographics roundtable, hosted by Retirement Magazine in partnership with The Conexus Institute and Royal London Asset Management, heard that defaults, nudges and access to ‘gold standard’ personalised financial advice must all be part of the mix.
Simon HoyleApril 15, 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