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Licensees
Sequoia admits misleading ASX on media engagement
Sequoia Financial Group has admitted inaccurately representing to the market that Professional Planner breached an agreement to embargo a report of the sale of InterPrac Financial Planning. In a letter to the publication’s editors, Sequoia managing director Garry Crole apologised and praised their editorial integrity.
Chris DastoorApril 9, 2026
Compliance
Fiducian rejects APRA concerns, says processes blocked Shield and First Guardian
Fiducian says its investment governance framework has avoided high-risk products like Shield and First Guardian from creeping onto the platform, rejecting concerns from APRA which added license restrictions on Fiducian after a thematic review found deficiencies in its oversight of investment options.
Chris DastoorApril 1, 2026
Licensees
Sequoia delays dividend payment pending InterPrac sale
Sequoia Financial Group will delay the payment of a 10 cent per share dividend to shareholders while finalising the sale of InterPrac Financial Planning to little-known Conquest Investment Partners.
Chris DastoorMarch 30, 2026
Compliance
Fiducian cops ASX speeding ticket to cap rough week
A tough week for Fiducian has seen it receive rebukes from ASIC, APRA and the Australian Securities Exchange due to either incorrectly informing investors that a settlement has been made with the corporate regulator or not disclosing additional license conditions added to its super fund trustee.
Chris DastoorApril 2, 2026
Superannuation
Only 12 super funds meet adviser-ready standard as industry funds underwhelm
Only three industry funds have made the list of 12 'adviser-ready' funds launched by the Financial Advice Association Australia and Chant West to help advisers assess which super funds are easiest to work with, despite the inroads that the profit-to-member sector claims to have made over the past few years.
Chris DastoorApril 1, 2026
Superannuation2
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
Regulation1
Liberal’s credentials on advice reform to be tested under Taylor, Hume
Newly elected Liberal leader Angus Taylor faces an uphill battle to keep the Coalition from splitting apart again and to reinvent the party as a viable force in politics. Having strongly advocated for advice reform prior to the last election, the opposition’s performance will be closely scrutinised by the profession.
Simon HoyleFebruary 13, 2026
Industry
Court winds up Shield, First Guardian-linked advice practices
The Federal Court ordered that two of the advice firms at the forefront of the $1 billion Shield and First Guardian scandal, Venture Egg and United Financial Advice, will be wound up following an application by ASIC.
Chris DastoorMarch 26, 2026
On Practice
Advisers waste $66k a year doing their own admin
An adviser who spends just six hours a week on admin could be wasting $66,000 a year by not delegating these tasks to support staff, according to a report by Vital Business Partners. Furthermore, that time saved could be used to serve 35 to 40 more ongoing clients.
Chris DastoorMarch 18, 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
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
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