Industry Updates

E&P dodges Dixon liability; independent advisers to carry the can

ASIC has conceded the parent company of Dixon Advisory, Evans and Partners, is not under any legal liability to cover the costs of the failed, vertically integrated scheme it owned. The regulator has also been unable to say why no action has been taken against Dixon’s advisers, who may have breached the best interests duty.

‘Lots of little things’ to make a big difference for Godfrey Pembroke

As the fiercely independently minded Godfrey Pembroke licensee emerges from the institutional ownership of Insignia Financial, Practice Development Group head Trevor Bransdon says the licensee is relishing a future determined by advisers, for advisers.

FAAA twists qualified adviser standard to set up holistic adviser pathway

The Financial Advice Association will recommend qualified advisers hold a Graduate Certificate, a level higher than a Bachelor’s Degree. The association argues those without a degree will still be able to leverage existing work experience to qualify for courses and a grad certificate creates an easier pathway to completing the education standard.

Lonsec claims it will maintain independence with GDG takeover

Lonsec will remain a standalone business following its takeover by Generation Development Group and the researcher will discontinue further ratings of GDG products. Michael Wright will stay on as Lonsec CEO and tells Professional Planner the deeper pockets of an ASX-listed owner will help the researcher grow.

Retirees keen to support children, but not at the cost of their lifestyle

More than two in three Australians aged 65 and over said they were unwilling to compromise their retirement lifestyle to provide financial assistance for their children, according to a AMP research.  

Super Members Council appoints inaugural chair

The Super Members Council has appointed business leader Ann Sherry as its chair, replacing interim chair Nicola Roxon who will continue to serve on the SMC board as a nominee of HESTA.  

HESTA sees increasing member interest in digital tools

Health industry fund HESTA said its members are increasingly adopting digital tools for retirement planning purposes.  

Esencia Wealth opens Sydney office post-merger

Financial advice firm Esencia Wealth has opened a new Sydney office at Governor Phillip Tower, following the merger of four advice businesses: Advise Wise, Insight Private Wealth, Sovereign Wealth Partners and Randle Advisory. 

Smaller licensees no longer offer regulatory sanctuary

At the Professional Planner Licensee Summit on 18 June, ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland will tell attendees oversight of self-licensed practices is a top priority in the advice space. Research from CoreData suggests the regulator will have more resources freed up with the top end of town having drastically shrunk.

Regulators’ ‘bigger is better’ mantra creates moral hazard for super funds

A period of forced consolidation in the superannuation industry, led by regulators, will lead to a "too big to fail" culture, according to industry veteran and commentator Rob Prugue. As Australia’s retirement savings pool continues to balloon, the sector’s immense scale has created a moral hazard, he argued.

FAAA names winner of Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award

The Financial Advice Association has announced Nathan Purnell of SWA Financial Planning as the recipient of the Gwen Fletcher Memorial Award for the first semester of 2024.

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