Industry Updates

FAAA statement on ASIC’s performance to Senate inquiry

Following is a statement made by the Financial Advice Association to the Senate Economics References Committee on 23 August about ASIC’s performance by FAAA chief executive Sarah Abood and three better ways it can achieve its goals.

SCA updates retirement savings guidance

Consumer advocate Super Consumers Australia has updated its home-owner retirement savings targets to reflect changes in the cost of living and the Age Pension.

‘Crystal clear’: Insignia CEO lays claim to Godfrey Pembroke

Insignia Financial CEO Renato Mota says the group is still in control of Godfrey Pembroke and still intends to sell the licensees back to the advisers while maintaining a minority stake. That deal needs to cleared first before the advice group can follow its own destiny and make agreements with other suitors, he says, putting a cloud over an unusual counter-claim by Clime Investment Management.

Diverger targets $1m-plus practices for value chain add

Even with a growing licensee services sector, Diverger looks to position its stake in the advice value chain with more direct stakes in practices. The investment priority is clear – majority stakes in practices with at least a $1 million in revenue.

Albanese says demand for advice will grow

In what are believed to be his first public comments on the Quality of Advice Review, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed legislation acting on its recommendations would not come until next year. But in an exclusive interview with Professional Planner, he said the government acknowledged the importance of financial advice, especially as the population ages.

Financial services leaders urged to back the Voice

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on industry leaders to honour the business community’s “proud history” of support for reconciliation with First Australians, encouraging them to back the referendum to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. It comes as Conexus Financial throws its support behind the ‘Yes23’ campaign.

Retiree preparedness at ‘10-year low’: Investment Trends research

Some two-thirds of non-retirees don’t feel prepared for retirement, and almost half are reluctant to use their super fund’s pension product, according to findings from Investment Trends. The research comes as trustees brace for more responsibility to improve retirement outcomes for Australians via the Quality of Advice Review and Retirement Income Covenant.

‘Conversations taking place’: Centrepoint eyes market moves

Currently the largest non-institutional licensee, Centrepoint Alliance has identified potential growth in its licensee network through M&A opportunities and AFSL switches despite a competitive and shrinking adviser market.

MetLife launches 2023 plan for reconciliation

MetLife Australia has launched its 2023 Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as part of its commitment to reconciliate with First Nations peoples. 

ART completes Woolworths and Endeavour fund transfers

Australian Retirement Trust has completed a successor fund transfer with Woolworths Group and Endeavour Group, with more transfers to come.

‘Strong, honest friend’: UniSuper advisers hold fund to account

The $115 billion industry fund UniSuper wants to become a “home for advice professionals” and fill some of the recruitment and training gap left by the big banks. The fund’s head of advice and education, Andrew Gregory, says the 52 comprehensive advisers he employs are fully fledged fiduciaries and are willing and able to recommend members switch funds if necessary.

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