Retirement reforms to work ‘in tandem’ with DBFO
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has invoked the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes bill as he unveiled a four-point plan to reform the retirement phase of superannuation. The announcement follows his junior minister Stephen Jones’ reassurances to industry that the government is still committed to advice reform.
November 20, 2024
The best advice practices produce SOAs in almost half the time
The best advice practices can produce Statements of Advice almost 50 per cent faster than their peers, but to implement advice is another story, according to findings from Iress. The advice software provider’s benchmark report shows the best practices aren’t getting the same gains with advice implementation.
November 20, 2024
Technology is becoming the ‘central nervous system’ of financial advice
Innovations in AI, automation and digital client engagement will transform the way advice practices work, whether it's through internal processes or how firms engage with their clients. This Professional Planner special report, in partnership with Netwealth, reflects on the impact of the Netwealth Accelerate Summit and explores how future-minded advice practices are harnessing technology for the efficient coordination and processing of information.
November 20, 2024
ASIC cancels AFSL after CSLR payment
ASIC has cancelled the AFSL of DOD Bookkeeping following a payment of compensation by the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort.
November 19, 2024
Cbus adds three CFMEU directors to board after independent review
Cbus Super has added three new member directors nominated by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, following an independent review by Deloitte found that they passed the ‘fit and proper persons test’.
November 19, 2024
Jones ‘confident’ on DBFO despite stalled negotiations
Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones is still confident of reforms to broaden access to financial advice despite reports that secret stakeholder consultations over the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes bill were “at risk of collapse”. The reassurance follows Professional Planner’s revelation that industry lobbyists were required to sign non-disclosure agreements as part of its last-ditch effort to muster consensus.
November 19, 2024
High hurdles to jump over to increase capacity
Financial advice practices are looking to increase capacity which could unlock 650,000 people gaining advice, according to research. But this is contingent on certain regulatory and efficiency obstacles being eliminated.
November 19, 2024
CareSuper continues to merge after Spirit Super tie-up
CareSuper and The Meat Industry Employees' Superannuation Fund (MIESF) have entered into a Heads of Agreement to explore a member transfer into CareSuper.
November 19, 2024
Advice cost anchored down by admin
Over half the cost of advice is being weighed down by admin and compliance, according to research from Marshan Consulting and CFS-owned fintech platform Elemnta. While regulatory red tape has been a negative factor on cost, poor tech integration by firms who are now in control of implementing their own systems with little know-how has also been a key contributor to inefficiency.
November 18, 2024
Four-day work week takes a growth mindset
The financial services sector has been resistant to the four-day week, but as firms push to attract and retain top talents in a dwindling pool of suitably qualified financial advisers, the possibility of embracing new ways to work is being considered among some firms.
November 18, 2024
AZ NGA completes acquisition of StrategyOne Advice Network
AZ NGA has acquired financial planning firm StrategyOne Advice Network, which specialises in wealth management, retirement planning and risk advice.
November 18, 2024
