Changes to the Privacy Act impacting financial advice firms
The Privacy Act is changing on 10 December, and advice practices must include in their privacy policy all ways in which a “computer program” is being used to make or inform decisions that have a significant impact on a person’s rights and interests.
Fewer but better-quality advisers a solid foundation for the future
Financial adviser numbers have stopped falling, and the profession now has a solid base on which to rebuild. The overall standard of remaining advisers is better than it was a decade ago, and new entrants are also higher quality than in the past. But improving access to advice in the near term will hinge on productivity gains rather than growth in adviser numbers.
Profiles and pitches of 18 candidates for the FAAA board of directors for 2026
The 2026 election for three seats at the FAAA board of directors has attracted 18 candidates. Here is their profiles and main pitch points for the 2026 election. CEO and managing director of Kingdom Financial Group Ben Ellingsen serves as treasurer of The Advisers Association. He has been chair of the Wide Bay Federal Divisional
FSCP decision reveals an underrated benefit of association membership
The financial adviser code of ethics requires advisers to uphold and promote professional ethical standards and hold each other accountable for protecting the public interest. This can be harder for advisers working in isolation or with restricted peer contact, and limited insight into how others operate.
Spotlight on Shield, First Guardian keeps victims top of policymakers’ minds
With no new consumer protections yet in place, a podcast by CHOICE and Super Consumers Australia wants to keep attention focused on the issues that led to thousands of Australians being harmed in the Shield and First Guardian collapse.
Pressure mounts on Big Tech’s role in Shield and First Guardian
Unlicensed financial advice and harmful lead generation on social media and in AI-enabled chat threads are emerging as yet another concerning cultural development that governments, households and financial professionals must grapple with as part of Silicon Valley’s social reckoning.
Transforming to serve 100,000 clients takes more than a rebrand
To achieve transformational change, advice businesses need four essential ingredients: direct client relationships, scale, capital and transformation capability. Until now, no advice business has possessed all four.
CSLR waterfall model gets qualified FAAA thumbs-up
Proposals for waterfall funding arrangements for the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort have received qualified support from the Financial Advice Association Australia, which says the financial advice subsector liability must be reassessed to avoid undue financial burden falling on a small business sector that has already funded a $20 million subsector cap.
Research reveals clients do know what they want to ask, after all
As AI is adopted more in financial advice, firms are experimenting with conversational AI to make first contact with clients who are unsure if they need financial advice or who are not yet ready to speak to a person. An Otivo and Borromean report shows that unlike what has been believed, clients do know the questions they want answers to.
‘Time will tell what I could have done better’: Ferras Merhi
Former financial adviser and operator of Venture Egg and Financial Services Group Australia, Ferras Merhi, spoke to Melinda Kee for a CHOICE and Super Consumers Australia podcast about what he could have done differently.
Researcher Forum
This is the flagship event dedicated to the governance and construction of investment portfolios by financial advisers in Australia. It brings together influential stakeholders including research houses, asset consultants, platforms, licensees and responsible entities to debate best practice in investment research, advice and managed accounts.
Advice Policy Summit
This event is open to CEOs and senior leaders of financial planning licensees, dealer groups and boutique advice firms, along with C-suite executives in superannuation funds with oversight of advice, education and guidance.
Women can reshape philanthropy as wealth transfer accelerates
Women are expected to inherit around 65 per cent of the intergenerational wealth transfer and already influence the majority of household charitable decisions. Opening a conversation through the lens of “purpose” can deepen the relationship, turning a manager of money into a trusted family adviser.
Industry
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So long and farewell
Several months ago, I made the difficult personal decision to step down as Professional Planner editor. While I look forward to my future plans, it has been bittersweet to leave behind a masthead I have loved leading and a financial advice profession I have great respect for.
Risk
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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.
Regulation