Industry Updates

Labor lays out financial services credentials

Instead of going on attack mode, Labor used its address to highlight what it believes it can bring to advice and superannuation. The shadow treasurer and financial services minister both pledged to protect the SG rise as well as advocating for less change in the industry.

Hume’s promise: ‘No new taxes on super’

While touting the government as an ally of the SMSF sector, superannuation minister Jane Hume has promised to maintain “certainty” in the industry and guaranteed no new taxes on superannuation.

The rise of the ‘validator’ advice client

Increasingly vocal investors are more likely to come up with their own ideas and look to an adviser for a second opinion only according to Investment Trends’ Irene Guiamatsia, with over half of HNW investors personas now classified as “validators”.

Dixon Advisory AFSL suspended with ‘most’ clients transferred

Informed that the majority of clients have transitioned to alternate financial services providers of their choice, Dixon Advisory’s Australian financial services licence has been suspended by ASIC. Additional licensee conditions have been added while remaining clients are transitioned out of the group.

‘Think like ASIC’ to pass adviser exam

It’s important to consider the corporate regulator’s perspective when sitting the adviser exam as it has a “specific role they see for themselves” according to Griffith University financial planning lecturer Katherine Hunt.

Too much choice killing efficiency in the advice spectrum

Choice is fundamental to quality personal financial advice but too much of it can be a distraction, hinder decision-making and curb productivity, all for no material client benefit. The same dynamic applies to licensees, Neil Younger writes, with the cost being scale and efficiency.

Less educated advisers had poorer client relationships: Research

Advisers with lower education (below a bachelor's degree) saw no change in perceived relationship quality, but highly educated and high-income financial advisers did. The study released this week compared results from 2009 and 2016 during the tumultuous period covering FoFA reforms.

Advice value proposition hinges on scalable delivery methods: AMP

While better messaging remains a key element to bolstering advice, the industry will struggle to make its value clear without adapting to client needs by making episodic advice commonly available according to AMP’s Matt Lawler. To do so, however, Letters of Advice must sit astride SoAs as a standard advice delivery method.

‘No brainer’: Post-RC reforms drive advice group merger

Akambo Financial Group has merged with First Financial, combining 110 staff and 3,000 clients across Australia with $3 billion in funds under management. Scale and business efficiencies required in the post-Hayne royal commission regulatory landscape are the motivators for the move, which may not be a one-off for the combined entity.

Compensation scheme on life support

With no more sittings of Parliament left before the election the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort bill has lapsed. The major parties remain divided over whether Managed Investment Schemes should be included and the election will settle the dispute.

At capacity: Another major insurer exit further shrinks PI market

AIG will cease renewals in September, further restricting options available for advice businesses looking to fulfill their AFSL obligations. Financial services is a loss leader for PI underwriters, making the sector unappealing for new entrants.

Finfluencer crackdown end of ‘two tier’ regulatory approach: FPA

ASIC putting a tighter leash on finfluencers will create a level playing field and put them under the same oversight as planners according to the Financial Planning Association.

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