SMSFs outperform APRA-regulated funds in market downturn: Research
University of Adelaide research has found that SMSFs outperformed ARPA-regulated super funds in a period of market downturns.
February 14, 2024
Grandfathered commissions back on agenda as anti-JAWG alliance forms
The Finance Brokers Association, which was believed to be influential in convincing the Morrison government to ditch the Hayne royal commission recommendation to ban mortgage broker commissions, has been tapped to join the AIOFP in a new populist alternative to the Joint Associations Working Group. While the two outspoken lobby groups are yet to determine a joint policy platform, life insurance – and even grandfathered investment – commissions will be high on the agenda.
February 13, 2024
Treasury consultation hears case for taxpayer-funded advice
Vanguard Australia has backed the suggestion to introduce a local version of the publicly funded UK pension guidance service, Pension Wise, in response to the government's consultation on retirement outcomes. However, the Financial Advice Association believes this will have little impact and has instead backed $2000 government rebates for advice fees.
February 13, 2024
FSC recommends lifting investor test threshold, grandfathering
Research released by the Financial Services Council has found that in less than a decade, almost a fifth of Australian households would be eligible to buy wholesale products without retail consumer protections, leaving them potentially vulnerable due to not properly understanding the associated financial risks.
February 13, 2024
REST ups impact and alternative allocations via agriculture fund
Retail workers industry fund REST has ramped up its impact and strategic alternatives allocations through an investment in the agriculture focused Cibus Fund II.
February 12, 2024
TAL unveils course program for its Risk Academy
Life insurer TAL has announced the 2024 course program for TAL Risk Academy, an education platform for financial advisers, professional year candidates, and support staff.
February 12, 2024
Offshoring: It’s time to take a different view
Using AI and technology is seen as innovative and improving business efficiency but offshoring is conversely viewed as unpatriotic, writes AZ NGA’s Paul Barrett. In a tight labour market where it’s hard to secure local talent, offshoring is advantageous and shouldn’t be viewed as a cost-cutting measure used to boost profit.
February 12, 2024
‘We rarely advertise’: Grove living off two decades of organic growth
By building a two-decade strong community presence in two Western Australian cities, Grove Securities has avoided the need to allocate resources to marketing or advertising, instead relying on organic growth.
February 12, 2024
Count acquires offshore service company Solutions Centric
Advice network Count has acquired Solutions Centric, an Australian company that provides offshore accounting, tax and SMSF services out of India.
February 12, 2024
Trustees could learn from advice industry for tech adoption: Panel
The Investment Magazine Chair Forum has heard that super funds can look to the financial advice and wealth platforms space for clear examples of where tech strategies have been executed at a high level. Meanwhile, funds have been warned that they face a potential member ‘tragedy’ if they don’t get their technology strategy right.
February 09, 2024
Jeremy Cooper joins Bennelong board
Former Challenger retirement income chair and lead of the eponymous Cooper Review under the Rudd government, Jeremy Cooper, has joined Bennelong Funds Management as non-executive director.
February 09, 2024
