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On Practice
Apt Wealth looks internally for growth with the ‘right’ capital sources
National financial advice firm Apt Wealth is looking for the next stage of its growth, one that involves using capital sources that share a long-term, multi-generational vision. Having just added several new equity partners who have built their careers at the company, CEO Andrew Dunbar says he knows he's partnering with people who share the same values and vision for the firm.
Chris DastoorApril 2, 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
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
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
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
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
Licensees
Geoff Lloyd to lead Perpetual wealth spin-off acquired by Bain
Former Perpetual CEO Geoff Lloyd will become executive chair of the storied fund manager's wealth arm after its $550 million acquisition by Bain Capital. Lloyd, who also chairs Professional Planner publisher Conexus Financial, says Bain will be a custodian and steward of the business, with work underway to make it financially viable as a standalone firm.
Chris DastoorMarch 16, 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
Private Credit
Institutional investors lash retail misuse of private credit
Investment leaders in private credit have dismissed concerns about the asset class, arguing the real issue is a mismatch between the features of the product and misapplication by non-institutional investors.
Chris Dastoor and Lachlan MaddockMarch 27, 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