‘It’s complicated’: DBFO path uncertain amid Labor landslide
Labor will return to power with an expanded mandate and presence in the federal Parliament, but there are questions over its commitment to financial advice reform, following the resignation of Stephen Jones at the election. Meanwhile, the advice profession has lost key allies Luke Howarth and Bert van Manen as part of the Coalition rout in Queensland.
May 05, 2025
Albanese victory dials down the ‘super wars’ – for now
The emphatic return of the Albanese Labor government to power should provide comfort to the superannuation sector, especially profit-to-member funds that had become a key target of the now depleted Dutton opposition. But they would be wise to avoid any complacency over the repudiation of right-wing populist approaches to super.
May 05, 2025
Super preservation is becoming a populist pariah
Calls for a more flexible superannuation system are emerging as a mainstay of Australia’s populist Right, with minor parties doubling down on the Coalition’s push for super to be opened up to first home buyers. It’s a sign the ‘super wars’ are taking on a Trumpian hue with implications far beyond Saturday’s election.
May 01, 2025
The Advisers Association concludes Levy’s intent ‘lost in translation’
The Advisers Association has said the draft legislation for Tranche 2 of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms has been “lost in translation” from the original intent set out by Michelle Levy and the government. The submission included concerns about the inclusion of retirement products in intra-fund advice.
May 01, 2025
Future tech spend needs to strike balance between innovation and security
The introduction of new tech leads to an increased zeal to spend on services to improve efficiency and the client experience. But in a heightened security landscape, practices must find balance between allocating capital to innovative solutions or shoring up cyber protection.
April 30, 2025
How the traditional family office model is transitioning to outsourcing
Shifting away from the limitations of single-family offices, outsourced multi-family offices present a more cost-effective way for advisers to provide a broader range of services.
April 29, 2025
Stockbrokers reject proposed SOA reforms, calls for Code of Ethics changes
The Stockbrokers and Investment Advisers Association has labelled Tranche 2 of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms as a “disappointing outcome from two years of regulatory review”. Underwhelmed by the replacement of SOAs, the association believes Standard 6 of the Code of Ethics will need to be removed to make the reform work.
April 29, 2025
Data integration ‘the major bugbear’ for practice efficiency
Streamlining the number of platforms or tech providers may seem a way to help mitigate inefficiency in the advice process, but using fewer vendors isn’t the panacea for firms as greater ease of access to data would allow for better client experience.
April 28, 2025
