Why members shouldn’t pay when trustees misbehave
A case brought by ASIC against AustralianSuper sets out how and why profit-to-member fund trustees are treated differently from for-profit trustees when it comes to penalties imposed by the courts. But while ASIC has been accused of going soft on profit-to-member funds, it’s appropriate that when trustees misbehave it’s not fund members who are left to carry the can.
March 14, 2025
‘Lack of diversification’ leaves advice on the hook for product failures
Despite calls for product manufacturers to take more accountability for remediation when a product fails, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority has made clear it’s the responsibility for advisers to make sure clients have a diversified portfolio that mitigates risk across investment options.
March 13, 2025
Europe, Asia to drive green bond demand amid US uncertainty
In an era where anti-ESG political forces have become dominant, AXA IM expects green bond issuance to continue to grow amid significant net zero investment requirements. The US market may remain muted, but Europe and Asia are expected to be developing areas of growth.
March 13, 2025
Green bonds on course to shed niche label
After a slow start, the green bond market has hit the accelerator, as countries and corporates ramp up efforts to reduce carbon emissions by financing projects that have a positive environmental impact. The sector has amassed around $2 trillion to date and is set to continue growing strongly but there are unique risks to consider.
March 13, 2025
AusSuper allegedly took up to four years to process death benefit claims
AustralianSuper will be taken to court by the corporate regulator again, this time over failures to process death benefit claims, after paying $27 million last month for failing to merge duplicate accounts. But as pressure mounts on industry funds to correct their failings on member outcomes, ASIC chair Joe Longo believes there isn’t a double standard over regulatory enforcement and criticised funds for "not knowing" their business.
March 12, 2025
Commercial property market has reached ‘inflection point’
After one of the most significant property valuation downturns in 15 years, commercial property, which includes office, retail and logistics, is showing signs of valuation stabilisation. The sector appears on track for a comeback, buoyed by Australia’s increasing population, a growing demand and supply imbalance, and workers back in the office, according to Charter Hall’s Steve Bennett.
March 12, 2025
The decade-long evolution of investment advice
A decade ago the way advisers invested clients’ money was considerably less sophisticated than it is today. Whether the changes since then would have happened anyway as advice professionalised or they were driven by legislation is beside the point: they’ve changed, and generally for the benefit of clients.
March 11, 2025
Managed account FUM surges in second half of 2024
Managed accounts funds under managements reached $232.77 billion, having surpassed the $200 billion milestone in the middle of last year, according to the latest census data from IMAP. The growth was largely due to market performance with about a third of growth coming from net inflows.
March 11, 2025
FAAA highlights the next minister’s ‘to-do list’ post-election
The Financial Advice Association Australia has identified a considerable “to-do list” for the next financial services minister. General manager for policy Phil Anderson told the FAAA Roadshow that the new minister will have to tackle issues such as the CSLR, fee consent form standardisation and the education pathway.
March 10, 2025
Cyclone Alfred delays DBFO Tranche 2 release
The Albanese government has finalised key elements of the contentious second tranche of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes legislation, including the eradication of SOAs and nudges for super funds. But its expected release of draft legislation on Friday was delayed amid national preparation efforts for the tropical cyclone impacting Australia’s east coast.
March 07, 2025
