Super fund consultants argue QAR super fees criticism misplaced
Criticisms of how trustees will be required to monitor certain conditions before a member’s account can be charged for advice are overblown, a pair of consultants to funds believe. They argue the Quality of Advice Review legislative changes remove ambiguity in the SIS Act and don’t add any new obligations to funds.
April 30, 2024
Reframing insurance as an investment in financial security
Australians don’t think of insurance as an investment, viewing it a secondary measure of financial security behind saving and investing, according to research from Investment Trends. The research found consumers will prioritise branding over premium costs or advice services, justifying insurers’ large marketing budgets in a tight cost of living environment for consumers.
April 30, 2024
FAAA releases draft policy platform for member consultation
The Financial Advice Association launched its draft policy platform for member consultation.
April 30, 2024
CSIRO and Alphinity release responsible AI framework
Alphinity Investment Management and Australians national science agency CSIRO have released a responsible AI (RAI) framework and toolkit for financial services.
April 30, 2024
Two-thirds of Australians underwhelmed by super balances: ART
Research from Australian Retirement Trust has found 67 per cent of Australians don’t feel their superannuation balance is in a good position for their age.
April 30, 2024
‘Always more complexity’ serving HNW clients
The number of high net worth and ultra HNW individuals is tipped to continue grow significantly over the next five years, meaning they will continue to be an attractive opportunity for advice practices. However, advisers note the unique needs required to serve these clients.
April 29, 2024
KKR in play for Perpetual’s wealth arm
Perpetual shares entered a trading halt on Monday morning after the company confirmed media speculation it had entered into talks with US private equity giant KKR to acquire its corporate trust and wealth management business.
April 29, 2024
Australians switch financial habits due to rising cost of living: Findex
The majority of Australians (81 per cent) had to change their investment and saving goals in the last 12 months with the primary reason (44 per cent) being the rising cost of living, according to a Findex research.
April 29, 2024
Australians boost super to fend off economic uncertainties: Research
Australians want to contribute more to their retirement savings during times of economic uncertainties, research by Equip Super found.
April 29, 2024
‘We all have blind spots’: Getting the most from client feedback
Client feedback isn’t always positive and sometimes, it can have a significant impact on how financial advisers run their business. The challenge for practices is understanding the nuance to criticism and how that can be turned into reactive recommendations.
April 26, 2024
Gimme shelter: The hidden reason the RBA should cut rates now
Inflation is really only persistent if it’s not being measured properly. There are some big false signals lurking in the data, and if those are acknowledged then it’s clear that inflation has been tamed and the case for the US Federal Reserve to immediately cut rates – and for the Reserve Bank of Australia to follow – is compelling, writes Ron Bewley.
April 26, 2024
