Industry Updates

Peer reviewing the SOA to ensure the advice is clearly communicated

Taking the extra step to peer review Statements of Advice is a necessity as it could save time down the line and prevent the advice not being tailored to the client. Reviews should include ensuring the way the advice is communicated is easy to understand for the client, which can quickly get lost in translation.

Entireti cites moral obligation to serve more consumers in digital advice deal

Entireti has partnered with digital advice provider Otivo, citing the social and moral obligation to improve advice accessibility. Otivo will develop a simplified and integrated digital advice platform covering episodic and limited scope advice for the licensee.

The rise of the advice platform is set to disrupt the value chain

The days of life companies, funds managers and platforms dominating the financial service value chain are numbered as capital finally flows to advice and large, corporatised advice platforms emerge, writes AZ NGA’s Paul Barrett. These advice platforms will be able to consistently serve clients at scale, and solve all the problems that advice firms are grappling with.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

$4k comprehensive advice fee the new bar for viability

Advice firms need to charge between $3000 and $4000 in annual client fees to remain financially viable, according to research from Adviser Ratings. But while most Australians recognise the value of advice, they are only willing to pay $500 for it.

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.

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.

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.

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