Latest News

Spender criticises Labor's 'lack of urgency' on advice reforms

ELIZA BAVIN
Independent member for Wentworth Allegra Spender said declining adviser numbers is a fundamental issue that needs an "urgent fix", while the CSLR is a "textbook case of moral hazard."

Shield Master Fund terminated, new receivers for Keystone Asset Management

KARREN VERGARA
The Shield Master Fund (SMF) has been terminated while its responsible entity Keystone Asset Management (KAM) has been appointed a new receiver and administrator.

Centrepoint Alliance to acquire Brighter Super's advice book

ANDREW MCKEAN
Centrepoint Alliance has entered into an agreement to acquire the comprehensive advice book of Brighter Super.

Coalition targets 'ambitious' goal of 30k advisers

ELIZA BAVIN
The Coalition wants to "rebuild the advice industry" by increasing the number of advisers to 30,000.

Latest White Papers

Ethics & Governance

Will ethics be the death of you?

BRYAN ASHENDEN   This article explores the intersection of estate planning and ethics, highlighting key challenges, best practices, and the broader implications for financial professionals and their clients.

Developing effective stakeholder trust strategies

RAY MCHALE   Developing effective stakeholder trust strategies has become increasingly important in the world of corporate governance.

Investment

The Australian dollar's uphill battle

PETER MOUSSA   The Australian dollar versus the US dollar exchange rate faces several headwinds in 2025.

Fixed income outlook for 2025

CHAMATH DE SILVA   It is fair to say that 2024 came to be defined by the final few months, where the US political election, growing fiscal risks, and an ever-resilient US economy sent benchmark global yields higher, despite the start of rate cuts from several major central banks.

Insurance

Life insurance: Orchestrating transformation

CAPGEMINI RESEARCH INSTITUTE   This article comprises an excerpt from the World Life Insurance Report 2025, produced by Capgemini Research Institute.

Life insurance: The path to customer centricity

CAPGEMINI RESEARCH INSTITUTE   This article comprises an excerpt from the World Life Insurance Report 2025, produced by Capgemini Research Institute.

Technology

A vision for super

CLIVE FERNANDES   This article explores the evolution of superannuation, the operational challenges funds face, their impact on members and the financial system, and the solutions that can drive industry transformation.

Using gen AI tools for business?

TRACY LU, TOMMY CHEN, MAX JONES, PAUL MERSIADES   In this article, we set out the key themes that emerged from our analysis and recommend ways to mitigate IP risk when using generative AI tools.

Superannuation

Superannuation contribution caps confirmed for 2025/26

CHRIS CHOW   While the annual superannuation contribution caps will not change in 2025/26, indexation of the general TBC means there may be a number of key planning considerations and opportunities for clients in both the remainder of 2024/25 and into 2025/26.

Debunking myths of lifetime annuities

MANSI DESAI   Lifetime income streams, such as a lifetime annuity, can provide an important benefit to a portfolio, in that they can help address the issue of longevity risk.

Retirement

Changes to the retirement condition of release

STUART SHEARY   The most common condition of release to access a personal superannuation account is reaching preservation age and retiring.

Navigating the transfer balance cap

STEPHEN BLAKE   The transfer balance cap imposes a limit on the amount of capital that can be held in retirement phase in order to support a retirement phase superannuation income stream - also commonly referred to as a superannuation pension.

Taxation & Estate Planning

Market-linked pensions are now fully commutable

MICHAEL HALLINAN   A significant change has occurred in relation to market-linked pensions. These pensions can now be terminated with the consequence that the member account balance previously supporting the pension can be either cashed out, retained in the fund as an accumulation phase, or the account balance used to commence an account-based pension.

Certified wholesale

DAVID COURT   The distinction between wholesale and retail clients is a fundamental part of the financial services regulatory system.

Compliance

Is the end coming for the sophisticated investor

DAVID COURT   The distinction between wholesale and retail clients is a fundamental part of Australia's financial services laws.

Early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds

CHRISTOPHER OVERTON   Sometimes personal situation becomes desperate, leading to a member wanting to access the superannuation monies trapped in their superannuation fund.

Applied Financial Planning

Dates every adviser needs to know in 2025

JENNEKE MILLS   Below are some of the key dates for every adviser to be aware of, to help you and your clients hit the ground running when it comes to advice strategy in 2025.

Dwelling on selling? Top tips when selling the home

MARK GLEESON   When a client sells their main residence, you can add considerable value by helping them understand key tax, superannuation and social security issues and opportunities.

Communications & Marketing

How CFOs can add value through communication

NICK FOX   Communication skills are a crucial element in the ability to add value to an organisation.

Five strategies to increase the closing ratio for financial advisers

ESZYLFIE TAYLOR   As a financial adviser, building trust and credibility with potential clients is paramount to increasing your closing ratio and growing your wealth management practice.