How global pension systems are solving the DC conversion challenge
It’s an issue that Nobel economist William Sharpe called the "nastiest, hardest problem" in finance: converting retirement savings in a defined contribution fund to retirement income. Stephen Huppert writes how this challenge is being solved for around the world.
November 18, 2024
Super fund retirement income products not cutting it
Just over half of retirees feel satisfied with the retirement income options provided by super funds, according to research from Investment Trends. The data shows that Australians are still put off by the complexity of products which lack sufficient information and guidance, and half of members don’t realise their super fund offers financial advice.
November 15, 2024
AI in financial planning: A double-edged sword that demands caution
AI has the power to revolutionise the way advisers engage with clients, but cybersecurity consultant Michael Connory writes there are still significant ethical and data security gaps. Auditing AI providers, implementing robust governance protocols and communicating transparently with clients over how their data will be used are some of the first steps advice firms can take to ensure best practice.
November 15, 2024
Insignia ‘suffered’ from overpriced and poorly integrated acquisitions
Insignia Financial has spent this week trying to win back shareholder confidence with a $200 million a year cost reduction goal to become the “most efficient” wealth management company by FY30. As well as correcting past acquisition mistakes, CEO Scott Hartley says their advice arm has the goal of halving the time it takes to produce advice.
November 14, 2024
Morningstar appoints director of manager research ratings for Australasia
Morningstar Australasia has hired Eva Cook as director of manager research ratings and new asset class lead in equities for Australia and New Zealand.
November 14, 2024
Fok treads carefully in first major public test as Cbus CEO
In his first major public appearance since the start of the media and regulatory storm engulfing Cbus, chief executive Kristian Fok has strategically defended the fund’s much-scrutinised relationship with the construction union CFMEU, arguing that there has been “incredible value” working with the union, but remained tight-lipped on the nature of any future engagement. He also apologised to members about insurance claims delays, but blamed external administrator MUFG Pension & Market Services for having the bulk of the problems.
November 14, 2024
REST chief member officer resigns
REST chief member officer Deborah Potts has resigned from the super fund after a 9-year career with the fund.
November 14, 2024
‘No one cares’ about objective of super: Bragg
Coalition Senator Andrew Bragg claims the Labor government misread the room by prioritising the objective of super legislation. The proposed law was one of many in financial services that have superseded advice reform, particularly the Quality of Advice Review which Bragg described as “the best ideas we have” to improve the sector.
November 13, 2024
Cbus woes mount as it faces ASIC in court over insurance
Troubled industry fund Cbus is being sued by ASIC for repeated failure to handle death benefits and TPD insurance claims, which has caused an estimated $20 million loss to claimants. It’s sparked calls from consumer groups and the opposition for the government to ramp up oversight of the sector.
November 13, 2024
Magellan COO/CFO resigns
Kirsten Morton has resigned as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Magellan Financial Group.
November 13, 2024
Bell FG proposes non-binding acquisition of SelfWealth
Asset manager Bell Financial Group has made a non-binding proposal to acquire 100 per cent of retail trading platform SelfWealth.
November 13, 2024
ASIC final FY24 levy sees slight reduction
The ASIC levy for FY24 will be $2691 per adviser, plus the $1500 flat rate per licensee, $187 lower than what the regulator earlier projected.
November 13, 2024
