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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
Licensees
Morningstar recommends shareholders approve Insignia acquisition
Researcher Morningstar has recommended Insignia Financial shareholders approve the proposed acquisition by CC Capital Partners with a vote to come next month after APRA gave its tick of approval.
Chris DastoorMarch 24, 2026
Regulation
Conaghan dropped as shadow minister; replacement named
Pat Conaghan has been dumped as shadow Minister for Financial Services and will be replaced by party colleague Kevin Hogan in a shake-up of National Party representation in opposition leader Angus Taylor’s shadow ministry.
Chris DastoorMarch 16, 2026
Compliance1
‘Doesn’t add up’: InterPrac clients left anxious in sale aftermath
Shield and First Guardian investors that received advice via InterPrac Financial Planning are concerned about the future of remediation claims after its sale by ASX-listed owner Sequoia Financial Group. Such concerns include the motives of Conquest Investment Partners, which acquired the licensee, and whether the new company will avoid covering any liabilities by either launching more legal action or going into voluntary administration.
Chris DastoorMarch 24, 2026
Licensees
InterPrac advisers handed lifeline to move licensees
Sequoia Financial Group has given InterPrac Financial Planning advisers the option of a clean exit strategy after reaching a transition agreement with boutique licensee Avalon FS that would free them from the two-year PI insurance levy imposed on exiting authorised representatives, as ownership is set to transition to Conquest Investment Partners.
Chris DastoorMarch 23, 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
Industry
InterPrac takes AFCA to court over fairness concerns in dispute resolution process
InterPrac is suing the Australian Financial Complaints Authority over concerns that the complaints authority has not fairly handled the resolution process, following criticism from Sequoia managing director Garry Crole that other parts of the advice chain are also culpable in the Shield and First Guardian failures.
Chris DastoorMarch 9, 2026
2026 Advice Policy Summit
The onus is on advisers to embrace technology
The application of technology, including but not only AI, will clearly address efficiency issues within advice firms, but zoom out and the impact on Australian society is potentially profound. A widening advice gap only amplifies the differences between the “haves” and the “have-nots” which must be addressed by improving both the efficiency and affordability of financial advice and HUB24 believes technology enables both.
Simon HoyleMarch 9, 2026
InFocus
Changing conditions for commercial property
After a pretty challenging period for commercial property, there are signs that the cycle has turned, sending yield-hungry investors back into the sector in pursuit of regular income and the potential for capital growth.
Professional PlannerMarch 24, 2026
Superannuation
Lack of advice expertise on super boards holding back retirement delivery
Super funds are lacking advice expertise on their boards and it’s one of the major factors that will keep them from fulfilling decumulation obligations, according to early findings from a research project from The Conexus Institute.
Chris DastoorMarch 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