‘Miss a deadline, pay a fee’: Secrets to improving client onboarding
Onboarding new clients is still a key friction point for advice practices as the collection of data and dealing with various compliance obligations slows down the advice process. But one advice firm has found it was able to halve its onboarding time by offering clients a few incentives.
January 29, 2026
Include lead generators in advertising guidance: FSC
The Financial Services Council has recommended ASIC should expand the definition of a “promoter” in its guidance on advertising financial products and services to include lead generators in the aftermath of the $1 billion Shield and First Guardian collapse.
January 29, 2026
We know about the widening advice gap, but beware the widening tech gap
Technology has the power to do the work of multiple people in less time with less hassle, yet many advice businesses struggle with the idea of investing in technologies like AI and automation. To overcome this mental hurdle, advisers need to view technology as digital employees.
January 28, 2026
Advice on crypto and digital assets is now crucial
Advisers are increasingly expected to be able to discuss not just the risks of digital assets, but also price behaviour and return drivers, because that is ultimately what clients care about, writes Swyftx’s Andrew McPhee.
January 28, 2026
Super is no longer ‘set and forget’ – especially for HNW investors and SMSFs
For investors with substantial balances, particularly SMSF trustees, super is no longer a passive vehicle, writes superannuation lawyer Arthur Marusevich. Policy changes, tax reforms, contribution caps and rising regulatory scrutiny have turned super into a structure that demands active management and strategic oversight.
January 27, 2026
Building tangible assets and intangible wealth
In 2026, over 180,000 Australians are expected to pass away and may leave significant wealth to their loved ones and other beneficiaries. Financial advisers have a critical role to play to help enable the right assets to go to the right people, at the right time, the right way, writes Felipe Araujo, chief executive officer of Generation Life.
January 27, 2026
FAAA says ATO portal access needed for Div 296 execution
The Financial Advice Association Australia believes changes to super tax concessions have only increased the need for financial advisers to gain access to the ATO portal as the industry asks for a few more tweaks to the bill.
January 23, 2026
Platform ‘oligopoly’ predicted for HUB24 and Netwealth
Advice consultancy Finura Group predicts HUB24 and Netwealth will successfully leverage their large balance sheets to lead an "oligopoly" and dominate the advice process. The annual predictions come as Netwealth reported record inflows despite fallout from the First Guardian collapse.
January 22, 2026
Conaghan drops shadow portfolio in hate-speech bill fallout
Shadow Minister for Financial Services Pat Conaghan has resigned from his portfolio due to divisions within the Coalition over new hate-speech laws. His departure gives Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino clear air to pursue advice reform and to respond to the fallout from the collapse of Shield and First Guardian.
January 22, 2026
Industry leader Geoff Lloyd to chair Professional Planner publisher
Former Perpetual and MLC chief executive Geoff Lloyd has been named chair of Conexus Financial, the publisher of media titles including Professional Planner. Lloyd says he is bullish on the future of the financial advice profession although concerned about lingering problems including access to advice.
January 22, 2026
Entireti Foundation seeks $100k raising in 2026 to reach $1m milestone
The Entireti Foundation plans to raise $100,000 to take it to $1 million in total donations since the inception of the charity backed by the country’s largest licensee owner. It will also expand the number of charities it supports.
January 21, 2026
