Stockbrokers declare education reform could be ‘a quick win’ for new minister
The Stockbrokers and Investments Advisers Association believes passing changes to the education pathway could be “a quick win” for incoming Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino. But one obstacle will be the Australian Greens, who will hold the balance of power in the Senate, and who the association concedes will need to be educated on the value of the reform.
May 19, 2025
Buffett changed the way advisers communicate with clients
After Warren Buffett announced his retirement at age 94 following an illustrious investment career, advisers reflect on how the American multibillionaire's legacy is broader than investment returns and has influenced how client conversations are conducted.
May 16, 2025
Planning for profitability in the new financial year
Profitability doesn't occur organically and requires careful planning which must be revisited regularly, writes Sue Viskovic. With the new financial year approaching, it’s a chance for practices to set and achieve benchmarks to reach the 40 per cent profit margin goal achieved by high-performing advice firms.
May 16, 2025
Practice M&A causing adviser recruitment to plateau
Advice practices are looking to M&A to build adviser numbers rather than poaching advisers, according to a recruiter assessing the current market landscape. However, there are a few key exceptions bucking this trend.
May 15, 2025
FAAA anticipates further adviser costs for expanded IDR reporting
The Financial Advice Association Australia has questioned if the cost of publishing breach reporting and Internal Dispute Resolution data will lead to higher industry levies after the regulator announced plans to deliver public dashboards in the second half of the year.
May 15, 2025
Insignia left with one suitor after Bain backs out
With a day remaining under an exclusive due diligence period, Bain Capital has withdrawn its offer to acquire Insignia Financial, leaving CC Capital as the last remaining suitor. The US private equity giant cited turbulent market conditions over the past few months as the reason it would not pursue the deal.
May 14, 2025
FSCP cases show ATO portal access could offer safeguard
Financial Services and Credit Panel cases reveal advisers will be blamed for inappropriate excess non-concessional contributions, but mistakes could be reduced by access to the ATO portal which industry associations have been advocating for.
May 13, 2025
Planning to retire at 80 when you thought you’d retire at 65
Someone born today is likely to live to 84 with the average life expectancy predicted to jump by 90 by 2050. For advisers, this has consequences for retirement planning and new strategies for wealth management are sensible given super rules are changing to reflect our longer lives.
May 13, 2025
Advisers urge new Minister to pick up pace of reform
New Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino has a daunting task ahead of him, taking over from former minister Stephen Jones at a critical time in the reform of financial advice.
May 12, 2025
Discovering your current staff are paid under market
When a firm discovers their salaries are below market, it sparks a chain reaction of challenges: team morale, retention, and profitability are all at risk. This case study reveals how they turned a $133,800 problem into a $305,175 benefit by rethinking salaries, workflows, and pricing—proving that strategic change can drive remarkable results.
May 12, 2025
Advisers, super funds at odds over offshore information processing
The $30 billion Vision Super has refuted claims that it will not work with financial advice firms that employ offshore staff, after a complaint raised by an adviser. The fund says it will only provide information to advice staff located within Australia, highlighting a vulnerability for advice firms using third-party support services based overseas.
May 09, 2025
