Why China vs the US is the main game for investors
Despite prevailing pessimism, Stanford University academic Professor Stephen Kotkin said the US’ role as a global superpower is a long-term trend asset owners can count on. But one of the most significant issues they must navigate is how the US and China learn to co-exist while pursuing diametrically opposed objectives.
October 24, 2025
First Guardian-linked adviser allegedly received inflated loans from fund
ASIC alleged in court that Ferras Merhi, the adviser considered a central figure into the investigation of the failed Shield and First Guardian master funds, received loans that exceeded the purchase price of one of his firms. The hearing comes as ASIC hands out further advice bans related to the collapse of the funds.
October 23, 2025
Shield director looks to cut deal with investors, ASIC unconvinced
Paul Chiodo, the director of the responsible entity of the Shield Master Fund, has proposed a deal with liquidators to return investor capital “before Christmas”, pending ASIC and the liquidators agreeing to the deal. However, the regulator denies it has had any involvement in the proceedings.
October 23, 2025
Public trust and how to achieve it
Financial advice has moved from an industry dominated by being product first into an emerging profession, but Robert MC Brown writes there’s still a deficit of trust. It’s easy to blame negative media or consumer groups, but there are plenty of advisers that are willing to distinguish themselves professionally and ethically from the rest of the industry.
October 22, 2025
Lonsec backs ASIC private credit review
Researcher Lonsec has come out in support of ASIC’s interim report into private credit distribution, noting the recent report highlights red flags the researcher claims aligns with its approach to rating products. The praise comes as the regulator issues another stop order against a private credit provider this week.
October 22, 2025
Going above and beyond for certainty
Superannuation may not be the silver bullet for a comfortable, confident retirement for everyone. While it is a crucial and central part, the history of regular tax reform in Australia highlights the importance of seeking professional advice, planning for further changes, and utilising structures outside super for even greater security and certainty.
October 22, 2025
Praemium added $283m First Guardian exposure from OneVue acquisition
Praemium had a $286 million exposure to First Guardian, most of which was picked up from its acquisition of OneVue from Xplan owner Iress that took place at the same time ASIC commenced investigations into the troubled master fund. Meanwhile, ASIC continues its work into investigating the collapsed Shield and First Guardian funds, with an MWL adviser receiving an eight-year ban for inappropriately advising clients to invest in Shield.
October 21, 2025
DBFO due ‘shortly’ but no specifics beyond that
The next tranche of Delivering Better Financial Outcomes legislation is due “shortly”, but Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino is unable to provide a timeframe, softening from earlier indications it would be released by the end of the year.
October 17, 2025
Should the FSC represent self-licensed businesses?
Nearly half the industry now operates under self-held AFSLs, which offers independence from an institutional collective, but lacks a centralised voice. Sean Graham writes the Financial Services Council’s licensing green paper might present ideas not necessarily in the best interests of self-licensed practices but there’s still an opportunity to be part of the process rather than just criticising it.
October 17, 2025
