Defending Steve Tucker, one of the “good guys”
Several weeks before the “Kevin ’07” election, two colleagues and I were given the opportunity to host Kevin Rudd at a 12-person, four-hour boardroom dinner. I took up the opportunity with delight and went about inviting key industry stakeholders. I ended up with an eclectic group of influencers from all walks of life. It was
March 04, 2013
Cormann wins in landslide … now for the election!
The tiny municipality of Eupen in the Belgian province of Liège may have just 20,000 residents but it is one of their own that Professional Planner Online readers would like to see as Australia’s next Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation. Recently described by SPAA National Conference MC Andrew Klein as the most famous Belgian
February 28, 2013
Understanding clients starts with one question
A great interview only starts with great questions. A truly great interview depends on great answers. So the best attribute a great interviewer can possess is the ability to listen. It’s true in journalism, and it’s true in financial planning. Understanding a client’s motivation, goals and aspirations starts with good questions, but it depends on
February 28, 2013
Building an aged care value proposition
Members of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) attended Advanced Technical CPD Workshops around the country in November and December last year. In the first of a three part series, Professional Planner Online filmed the session Building your Aged Care Value Proposition – facilitated by Louise Biti, director of Strategy Steps. Each workshop ran for two
February 28, 2013
Considered automation is key in slowing risk market
As more advisers embrace technology to achieve greater efficiency in writing risk business, one adviser warns that they shouldn’t assume more technology equates to less work. The glory days may be over for risk advisers but, according to new research, the next 15 years will still see market growth – albeit at a slower rate.
February 26, 2013
FSC issues March tax ultimatum on super grabs
The Financial Services Council (FSC) has issued a “hands-off” notice to government on superannuation, claiming any further taxes would be a breach of trust. Calling superannuation a “bargain between government and working Australians”, FSC chief executive John Brogden said enforced savings could no longer be treated as a honeypot to be dipped into at will.
February 21, 2013
YBR retirement promo scores own goal
An A-League football match isn’t where you expect to hear a “plan for retirement” message, but that’s what happened last Saturday night at the Sydney FC versus Adelaide United game. The retirement planning promo involved the merging of two of Mark Bouris’ interests: Yellow Brick Road (YBR), the financial services business of which is he
February 21, 2013
Accountants reject APES as FoFA swings into action
Discontent in the ranks of a peak accountancy body and confusion around accreditation for accountants wishing to offer financial advice in self-managed super funds (SMSFs) has clouded the debate on industry operating standards. Speaking at the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) National Conference on Friday, Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) chief executive, Andrew Conway,
February 19, 2013
Cormann attacks Shorten over super tax grab
The federal election may be months away but Senator Mathias Cormann was a man in a hurry at Friday’s conclusion of the SPAA National Conference in Melbourne. Before a receptive audience, the shadow minister for financial services and superannuation was in full electioneering mode, slamming the government for “treating people’s retirement savings like an ATM”,
February 18, 2013
February 2013:
Digital content
A guide to the Professional Planner February 2013 edition and links to authors and additional content. features 08 forum Challenges facing the private banking industry Australia’s leading private banks are grappling with how to best position themselves for when clients start to look for alternatives to cash. 12 cover story SMSF advisers under the microscope With new
February 12, 2013
The AFA’s Brad Fox on clients, codes and conduct
In his time as an AFL player with Essendon, Brad Fox was involved in an altercation with Tony Lockett in which the recently appointed chief executive of the Association of Financial Advisers was choked to near unconsciousness in a headlock. While Fox was neither the first nor last player to come off second best in
February 11, 2013
Industry funds compare the pair and 20,000 SoAs
The $60 billion industry superannuation fund AustralianSuper produced about 10,000 statements of advice in 2012. The fund’s head of policy and public affairs, Louise du Pre-Alba, says it expects to produce about 20,000 SoAs this year. Think about this. AustralianSuper alone has about two million members. What if this super fund puts its arms around
February 07, 2013
