Industry Updates

Penny Wong to address financial services industry

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will headline the next instalment of the Conexus Financial Political Series, with an exclusive briefing on Australia’s international relations, wars in the Middle East and Ukraine and next US presidential administration. The rare appearance before a financial services audience comes as Senator Wong makes the case for peace in a world of increasing conflict and complexity.

HESTA appoints general manager of compliance

Health industry super fund HESTA has appointed Tim Pietsch as general manager of compliance.  

Oaktree deal values Barrett’s AZ NGA at $700m

Famed US investor Oaktree Capital has committed $240 million in capital to AZ NGA, the advice and accounting aggregation network started a decade ago by Paul Barrett. The capital injection will allow some existing shareholders to sell down and propel further growth, but Barrett says the deal is also an endorsement of Australia’s advice sector.

When articulating value results in referrals

One of the biggest lessons learned in advice for Merideon Wealth Strategies managing director Mark Rattigan has been that articulating value to clients will mitigate any concerns about the cost of advice – so much so that justifying fee rises inadvertently boosted referrals because clients better understood the value of the advice they were being given.

AMP, Insignia’s deep history in advice always meant slower withdrawal

While the big four banks quickly departed financial advice after the Hayne royal commission, AMP and Insignia stayed to rebuild their wealth businesses to adapt to the new era of professional advice. But for these businesses to ultimately become fiduciaries, a separation from product-led institutions was inevitable.

Retirement calculators not so money smart

Super Consumers Australia has criticised the super industry’s poor delivery of retirement calculators for members, saying many would be better off relying on the one provided by ASIC’s Moneysmart. The consumer advocacy organisation has called on the government to take responsibility and provide access to quality, independent information.

Charlie Viola to split from Pitcher Partners to launch Viola Private Wealth

Pitcher Partners Sydney is selling various operational aspects to long-standing financial adviser Charlie Viola who will launch his own high-net-worth focused firm, Viola Private Wealth.

HUB24 takes minority stake in private markets platform

HUB24 has taken a minority equity holding in Reach Alternative Investments, an alternatives-focused platform that provides access to global private equity and credit funds.

‘An important step forward’: ATO determination recognises advice as a profession

In a win for the profession, the Australian Taxation Office has expanded the scope for what financial advice fees are considered deductible. It came off the back of a half-decade advocacy project, but further work is needed to convince the tax office of full tax deductibility of advice fees.

Jones cleans up tax adviser ethical rules but gives tight feedback window

Treasury’s latest consultation for the tax adviser ethical obligations determination checks off what industry bodies have raised concerns over, but Tom Ravlic writes Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones has given a tight window for feedback.

REST names employer-nominated board director

Super fund REST has appointed Inese Kingsmill to its board of directors, replacing Sally Evans who retired in July 2024. 

AustralianSuper appoints first chief liquidity officer 

The nation’s largest super fund AustralianSuper has appointed Chandu Bhindi as its first chief liquidity officer. 

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