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Regulation
Shield, First Guardian reforms must not become a covert operation to restrict competition
There is broad consensus in industry and Canberra that the collapses of the Shield and First Guardian master funds – and failures that led to them – demand a regulatory response. But getting that response wrong could create an uneven playing field in the industry and some counterproductive consumer outcomes.
Colin Tate AMApril 21, 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
Regulation
Platforms to unleash greater monitoring of advisers and MISs
Platforms will be required to monitor licensee business models and “adverse media findings” of advisers in a new standard released by the Financial Services Council that also enhances monitoring of managed investment schemes. The changes have been applauded by Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino who says it’s positive to see industry self-regulation in the aftermath of the $1 billion Shield and First Guardian collapse.
Chris DastoorApril 16, 2026
Regulation1
Time to bring law to SMSF ‘wild west’: Hartley
More regulation is needed to address consumer harm arising from SMSFs and the Financial Accountability Regime should apply even to platforms that outsource their super trustee in order to close governance gaps, according to Insignia Financial CEO Scott Hartley.
Chris DastoorApril 15, 2026
Retirement
Changing the focus, from ‘nest egg’ to ‘income for retirement’
Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino writes that superannuation fund members deserve a dignified retirement, consistent with the objective of super, and it is well past time to move the public conversation from super providing a lump sum to it being the source of ongoing and reliable income.
Daniel MulinoApril 15, 2026
Superannuation
Industry funds use Canadian PM visit to push investment diplomacy
If anyone needs a measure of the superannuation system’s growing clout in global geopolitics, look no further than Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to prioritise a meeting with industry super fund bosses in Sydney over meeting the Australian Prime Minister. It’s a reminder that in the face of an increasingly hostile relationship with the US, the so-called “middle power” nations are using pension capital to rewrite the rules.
Darcy SongMarch 5, 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
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
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