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Technology
Beware AI ‘blast radius’ in financial advice: Tech veteran
John Wise, a top Silicon Valley investor who co-founded some of the major US wealth tech firms, has warned on the dangers of incorrect application of AI, noting the right skill and expertise are needed to make use of the emerging technology. The comments come as Wise's Communify inked a deal with the country's largest licensee owner, Entireti.
Chris DastoorMarch 26, 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
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
Licensees1
Sequoia set to offload InterPrac for $50K
Sequoia Financial Group managing director Garry Crole says he intends to sell the troubled InterPrac Financial Planning for just $50,000 to an outfit called Conquest Investment Partners. The ASX-listed company, which has been embroiled in the Shield and First Guardian saga, entered into a trading halt on Friday.
Chris DastoorMarch 20, 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
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