Allianz Retire+ joins CALI as newest full member
Life insurer Allianz Retire+ has joined the Council of Australian Life Insurers as its newest full member.
July 30, 2024
‘Unfinished business’: Jones survives reshuffle, re-commits to advice reform
Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones has conceded reforming financial advice has been more difficult than anticipated but re-committed to completing the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes project before the next election. The comments in an exclusive interview with Professional Planner came just ahead of a cabinet reshuffle in which Jones retained his role in the notoriously contentious portfolio.
July 29, 2024
Advisers’ focused on boosting client income amid high cost of living
As the cost of living has increased, adviser queries to technical teams have centred around how to improve retirement income including selling other assets, like investment properties, or downsizing the family home.
July 29, 2024
Housing Australia names CEO
Housing Australia, the government agency that administers the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF) and National Housing Accord Facility (NHAF), has named the successor to the outgoing chief executive, Nathan Dal Bon.
July 29, 2024
Degree or not degree, that is the question
Only part of the DBFO reforms have so far passed Parliament and the lingering issue of education standard for so-called “qualified advisers” remains unknown. Education providers argue the industry should take a hardline stance to make sure this new tier of adviser is adequately prepared, with one pushing for the same degree qualification as current advisers.
July 28, 2024
Reflections and next steps on financial advice reform
Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones sits down for an exclusive interview with Conexus Financial editor-in-chief Aleks Vickovich to discuss the Quality of Advice Review process so far, the next steps and the Albanese government’s vision for an enhanced financial advice sector.
July 26, 2024
Bragg lays out existential threat to ‘junk’ group insurance sector
Superannuation and life insurance industry executives have hit back at Coalition Senator Andrew Bragg’s characterisation of group insurance as “junk insurance” that provides a “false safety net” for members.
July 26, 2024
NGS Super names deputy CIO, ESG leaders
Industry fund NGS Super has made a series of promotions in the investment team.
July 26, 2024
Super fund reporting and audit obligations commence
Super funds will be required to submit audited financial reports within three months of the end of the fund’s financial year with fees incurred for late lodgement under new rules governed by ASIC.
July 26, 2024
‘Qualified advisers’ could lift funds claims handling capabilities
As the industry awaits clarity on the educational standards (or lack thereof) of the so-called “qualified adviser” program, superannuation funds say the QAR-recommended and controversial second-tier of advice could help improve the quality of insurance claims handling for members.
July 25, 2024
Wayne Swan, Cbus caught up in CFMEU maelstrom
Explosive allegations about misconduct by militant trade union the CFMEU and its historic and interpersonal links to Cbus are fuelling political opposition to the growing profit-to-member super sector. Longtime critic Senator Andrew Bragg used the Investment Magazine Insurance in Super Summit to call for Cbus chair and federal Labor Party president Wayne Swan to resign from one or both of the roles.
July 25, 2024
Insignia Financial names superannuation CEO
After flagging it in the recent restructuring announcement, Insignia Financial has revealed that Dave Woodall will become the new superannuation CEO from 1 November.
July 25, 2024
