Alternatives prove their value to weather volatile markets, says Man Group
Recent market volatility has reinforced the role of alternative investments in providing investors with a diversification tool to improve the risk and reward characteristics of their portfolios, according to leading alternative investment provider, Man Group. Sandy Rattray, CEO of Man AHL, who is in Australia this week to meet with institutional clients, said an allocation
September 14, 2015
Why professional indemnity cover falls short in addressing consumer compensation
Professional indemnity (PI) cover is expensive and often inadequate in covering losses stemming from adviser misconduct, but in the absence of an industry-funded compensation scheme, it is the only hope many consumers have. PI insurance cover is often the biggest business overhead for small- to medium-sized financial planning businesses. The growing scarcity of PI providers,
September 12, 2015
An unlikely transition from the fraud squad to financial planner
Trading handcuffs and a police badge to head up a financial planning practice is an unorthodox entry to the industry – but that is the road taken by Brett Schatto, director, Pride Advice. “One night, I tried to break up a fight and arrest someone, and I was ‘coward punched’ by one of the offenders’
September 12, 2015
As time ticks away, getting the facts straight on licensing costs for accountants
Although the costs of licensing shouldn’t be the driving factor in your decision on licensing, it is important that you have unbiased and credible information to consider your options. When examining costs, it’s important to break it down between initial and ongoing costs. In both instances, I have provided some indicative costings for both self-licensing
September 12, 2015
Pension stakeholders see need to collaborate and improve long-term distribution strategy
New EY report highlights key areas for governments, pension plans and providers to address in order to ensure future viability and minimize liabilities Digital applications can help inform and simplify consumer choices, but few pension systems and providers have fully adopted them Key public and private sector stakeholders face mounting pressure to develop more robust
September 11, 2015
Where finance meets fantasy: option trading strategies and unicorns
My three-year-old daughter recently asked for a unicorn for Christmas. I asked her why and she responded, “Because I want it Daddy – a purple unicorn that can fly.” I told her, “Santa may have one left over from last year and maybe he can bring it this Christmas,” and hoped she would ask for
September 10, 2015
Bennelong, Fidante and Macquarie slug it out for Distributor of the Year honours
Bennelong Funds Management and Fidante Partners are in the running to be named Distributor of the Year in the Professional Planner|Zenith Fund Awards 2015, and if either of them gets up it will bring to an end the reign of Macquarie, which has held the title since 2009. The Distributor of the Year Award is
September 10, 2015
FPA Congress workshop program opens – delegates urged to secure places now
Attendees at the Financial Planning Association 2015 Professionals Congress have been urged to act now to reserve places at workshops they want to attend, to avoid missing out. With record registrations tipped at the 2015 congress, and places at workshops limited, reserving a place now is the best way to ensure entry on the day.
September 10, 2015
Zurich Emerging Markets Fund receives first Lonsec rating
Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has announced its Emerging Markets Equity Fund has received its first rating from Lonsec. The Emerging Markets Equity Fund’s underlying strategy is managed by US-based investment manager, Wells Capital Investments (WellsCap), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, with over $350 billion USD in assets under management. National Investment Sales
September 10, 2015
BetaShares August Australian ETF Review: Share market volatility results in record ETF trading
Share market volatility led to a record month of trading in the Australian exchange traded fund industry last month, according to BetaShares Australian ETF Review – August 2015. Average trading value increased 23% to hit a record high of $2.3 billion in August. Structural growth of the industry also continued throughout the month, with net
September 10, 2015
Play the long game in small caps: IML
Investors Mutual Limited (IML) has urged investors and their advisers to shift their thinking when it comes to allocating small caps. Rather than just adding growth to a portfolio, as is the traditional view, small caps can provide diversification to a deep range of industries and generate sustainable long-term returns. Senior Portfolio Manager and founding
September 10, 2015
Calastone connectivity for Asgard completes automation for BT Financial Group
Calastone, the global funds transaction network, today announced the successful implementation of Asgard, completing its services across BT Financial Group encompassing BT Wrap, Asgard and Panorama platforms. BTFG has been using Calastone for automatic routing of managed fund orders on its BT Wrap platform from 2012, included it exclusively on Panorama, and now built out
September 09, 2015
