Industry Updates

No simple metric to measure quality advice: FPA

The Financial Planning Association has shot down the idea of a metric to measure advice standards in its submission to the Quality of Advice Review. The association argued the complexity and nuance of financial advice makes it difficult to quantify.

Ditch one-size-fits-all regulatory approach: SIAA

Embracing the need for different specialisations and ending the one-size-fits-all approach for regulation is essential to meeting the differing needs for consumers according to the Stockbrokers and Investments Advisers Association.

Consumer protections should be proportionate to risk: AFA

Simple advice would be easier to deliver if the consumer protections better aligned with risk, the Association of Financial Advisers has argued in its submission to the Quality of Advice Review. A young client coming in for advice on superannuation shouldn’t require the same level of regulatory scrutiny as full holistic advice.

SMSF advisers should be specialised: SMSF Association

The SMSF Association has recommended professionals providing SMSF advice should be required to have completed specialist education as part of its submission to the Quality of Advice Review. The suggestion is in line with previous recommendations from the Productivity Commission, FASEA and ASIC, but the association has called for action.

Proportion of advised SMSFs at lowest point since 2019

The number of SMSFs with an adviser has remained steady but the increase of fund establishments without an adviser has led to the proportion of advised SMSFs declining to the lowest level in three years according to research from Investment Trends and Vanguard.

Former CBA subsidiary fined $1.7m for defective advice disclosures

Another instance of misconduct by a major institution uncovered at the Hayne royal commission has been finalised, with former Commonwealth Bank subsidiary Avanteos penalised $1.7 million for defective disclosures related to charging advice fees to members after death.

Most practices can be hacked in 30 mins: Cybersecurity expert

Despite guarantees from CEOs they take cyber risks seriously, Security in Depth chief Michael Connory said most organisations across Australia can be hacked within half an hour. RI Advice chief Peter Ornsby said it was an “eye opener” how much responsibility a licensee needs to have over cybersecurity protocols.

ASIC implores industry to call out greenwashing

The corporate regulator is encouraging investors to highlight instances of vague, ambiguous language or exaggerated marketing claims in sustainable investment products. After a review of a sample of funds, it found issuers need clearer labelling and to better define the sustainability terminology used.

Better days for advisers will come with resourcing, unity and technology

We could spend forever on the blame game, says consultant Conrad Travers. Policymakers. The regulator. Hayne. Licensees. Intermediaries. The banks. It's all justified, but it doesn't change a thing. We need to do better.

Don’t wait to improve mental health offerings: Panel

Employers and licensees must be better prepared with mental health resources rather than waiting for a catalyst that becomes a call to action according to a panel.

‘Unusual, but true’: Barriers to entry required for innovation to thrive

Looser regulations in all areas of advice are required to promote innovation according to Paul Barrett, but the barriers to entry must remain high. Keeping a moat around the advice profession will go a long way to putting it on par with law and medicine, and eventually lead to a less restrictive regulatory environment.

ASIC releases adviser warning, reprimand parameters

In circumstances where adviser misconduct doesn't quite warrant a sitting with ASIC's Financial Services and Credit Panel, the regulator will hand out warnings or reprimands to advisers and their licensee.

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