Industry Updates

Treasury AI review little cause for concern for advisers

A profession-wide, cautious approach to compliance means the overall advice ecosystem should be ahead of the curve if the government modifies consumer law to further support the safe and responsible use of AI by businesses.

Survival of the trimmest: Fundies need to cut costs or face extinction

If you’ve wondered why private markets and alternatives are being pushed more by fund managers the answer is simple: competition from lower cost passive options and active management from underperformance has meant active managers have needed to re-shift their value proposition, according to research from Morningstar.

Straying from the share market’s liquid corners

Active management is important when constructing a geared portfolio since every investment decision has higher stakes when leverage is involved, writes First Sentier Investors’ David Wilson. Being invested in quality companies with high levels of liquidity can assist with navigating turbulent markets helping mitigate investor risk.

Where to invest when results are varied

Inflation, interest rates and cost of living pressures have contributed to varied company earnings results in 2024. But First Sentier Investors’ Dushko Bajic says there are pockets of opportunities in the market for investors seeking attractive returns and companies that can run their own race.

‘Long feared’: CSLR subsector levy to blow $20m cap

The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort has estimated the FY26 cost recovery levy to exceed the $20 million cap, meaning the government will have to use its discretionary powers to cover the excess. The Financial Advice Association has called for any surplus to spread across a broader range of sectors.

IMF warns of liquidity issues in super

The International Monetary Fund has warned that “liquidity mismatches” are brewing within Australian super funds, as the UN finance agency expressed worries that members might be able to switch out of investment options with too much flexibility considering funds’ substantial investments in illiquid assets. But super industry leaders say the nation’s unique system is well-equipped to handle itself.

Finding the right framework for employee share schemes

Employee share schemes (ESSs) can work for some advice businesses if they have enough employees and the right structure. Smaller advice businesses will find implementing an ESS more difficult but have the option to merge with a larger firm that offers a scheme.

The confidence game: Taking charge of client conversations on pricing

As the cost of doing business continues to rise, advice practices need to keep on track with their own pricing. Advice business consultant Richard Abbey writes having conversations with clients about fees doesn’t have to be awkward and is a further opportunity to articulate the benefits of the service provided.

NZ Super appoints co-CIOs

Kiwi sovereign NZ Super has appointed two joint chief investment officers following the departure of previous CIO Stephen Gilmore who joined CalPERS earlier this year. 

The moral case for boosting advice productivity

The profession has a key opportunity to make advice more accessible by driving productivity without worrying about regulatory change, a Professional Planner roundtable has heard. But will advisers be more enticed to take on more clients, if they can serve fewer while making the same money?

FAAA calls for stronger aged care regulations

The Financial Advice Association has called for stronger regulations to ensure only licensed professionals can provide aged care advice. The call backs a consultation paper by Aged Care Steps who earlier this year noted the “worrying trend” of unlicensed and unregulated businesses being able to deliver services in the space.

My Dealer Services appoints head of strategy after commitment to growth

My Dealer Services has appointed Ashley Mahadeea as head of strategy as the firm looks to grow its depth of services and number of self-licensed advisers. 

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