Industry Updates

‘High price’ of super early release

A retrospective look at the Covid-19 superannuation early release scheme by ASFA has uncovered the full impact on young people, women, single parents and the unemployed who were the most affected.

AMP’s loss-leading advice business improves

Financial losses in AMP’s advice business have been halved in the first half of the financial year and CEO Alexis George spoke to Professional Planner about creating a sustainable business as well as the challenge of regaining trust in the industry.

Adviser exam to be included in education consultation

Changes to the adviser exam will be included in the government’s consultation on the experience pathway, while consultation on the Code of Ethics will commence next year after the Quality of Advice Review is completed.

The death of email: Why advisers need to change for security

Email is one of the most unsecure methods of communication so why do advisers still rely on it for sensitive client information? Two industry experts have argued practices should be moving to client portals which have the extra benefit of offering a better client experience.

ASIC to improve breach reporting processes

The corporate regulator will continue to engage with industry over the breach reporting regime, giving some recognition to the struggles the industry has faced since the regulation commenced last October.

Treasury outlines review of ASIC Industry Funding Model

Treasury has released its terms of reference for the ASIC Industry Funding Model which industry associations hope will address the burden placed on financial advice. With fewer advisers left in the industry it’s imperative the review find a balance that doesn’t leave advisers carrying more than their fair share.

Stapling to be part of YFYS review

Although the initial announcement implied stapling would not be part of the Your Future Your Super review, financial services minister Stephen Jones confirmed today the measure will be included. He reiterated that stapling won’t be removed but instead refined to reduce any “unintended consequences”.

Grace period over for DDO

After a transition period of roughly 10 months the corporate regulator is now ready to act against those who are not fulfilling the design and distribution obligation requirements. ASIC’s first application of the rules show it is paying attention to making sure high-risk products don’t get into the wrong hands.

Diverger’s Centrepoint bid called off

Diverger has ended discussions to acquire Centrepoint Alliance due to lack of “meaningful engagement”. However, neither party is ruling out future scale plays within the industry.

Industry needs to take initiative on re-branding

While the advice industry has no shortage of potential clients, it still faces an image problem that is preventing people pursuing a career in planning. Transforming advice into a go-to profession is the next major step to bridging the advice gap according to a panel.

Insignia eyes partnership with digital advice firm

Insignia Financial is expanding its advice offering by partnering with a fintech to help reach Australians not yet receiving financial advice. While the service won’t offer holistic advice to clients, it shows a calculated plan from the major advice institution for how it will service more consumers at the pre-advice stage.

Former Dixon Advisory clients urged to register complaints to AFCA

The corporate regulator is encouraging former Dixon Advisory clients to register complaints to AFCA to be potentially eligible for remediation under the compensation scheme of last resort. While the CSLR has yet to be legislated, ASIC and AFCA are prompting former clients to make a complaint while Dixon’s membership to the complaints authority is still valid.

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