Shield, First Guardian debate heats up in Canberra
Macquarie’s compensation of Shield investors has forced both the government and opposition to make comments about the collapse of that fund and First Guardian, with Shadow Minister Pat Conaghan continuing to prosecute the case about Labor’s mishandling of the managed investment scheme review.
September 26, 2025
ASIC lifts La Trobe stop order, but private credit anxiety remains
ASIC has lifted the interim stop order on La Trobe’s Australian Credit Fund, but is still in discussions with the manager about its US Private Credit product. Meanwhile, influential asset consultant Frontier Advisors has called out poor liquidity management in the sector.
September 25, 2025
M2 to AirTrunk: The changing and unchanging nature of infrastructure
The shape and scale of infrastructure projects have evolved significantly over the past 30 years, but the definition and purpose of infrastructure remain unchanged, providing a north star for investors to identify quality managers in an increasingly competitive market.
September 24, 2025
Call to make retirement best practice principles compulsory, less prescriptive
Treasury’s consultation on best practice principles for superannuation retirement income solutions has prompted calls from the Financial Advice Association Australia for compliance with the principles to be made compulsory, while other industry bodies have pushed back on what they perceive is a regime that will be overly prescriptive.
September 24, 2025
The four non-negotiables needed for a successful business plan
Outlining the strategy, establishing cultural alignment, execution and how the transition is structured are the four non-negotiables for a successful business plan that drives growth, according to an academic. But the overall process is easier said than done and the biggest issue practice principals have is finding the time to step away from their daily business operations to focus on business planning.
September 23, 2025
ART looks to platform veteran for next stage of growth
Former BT executive Kathy Vincent will succeed David Anderson who is stepping down as chief executive of Australian Retirement Trust after 18 months in the role. The appointment of a CEO with experience across advice and platform offerings is also acknowledgement that industry funds will have to compete more fiercely for members at a time when those approaching retirement are increasingly being picked off by advisers who redirect them to platforms.
September 23, 2025
Coalition accuses Labor of adviser blame game
New shadow Minister for Financial Services Pat Conaghan has criticised Labor for its attacks on the advice profession and accused the government of using them as a ploy to obfuscate its own failures to act on regulatory reforms, including the managed investment scheme review and gaps in the anti-hawking laws.
September 22, 2025
ASIC calls for higher private credit standards, proceeds with stop orders
ASIC has sounded the alarm on retail distribution of private credit funds in an interim report as it commences stop orders against several products, particularly from La Trobe Financial. But the report, which offers insights into good practice, said the institutional end of the private credit market – predominantly super funds and insurers – is operating in a manner that "demonstrates good operating practice”.
September 22, 2025
Law reform needed if Equity Trustees wins Shield court action: ASIC
The corporate regulator says law reform will be needed if the court rules in favour of Equity Trustees for its alleged due diligence failure in hosting the Shield Master Fund. Equity Trustees had announced it would contest ASIC’s allegations believing that it has acted in line with its fiduciary duties and obligations under the law.
September 19, 2025
