FS Advice

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.

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.

Making the case for alternative real estate

JULIAN BIGGINS   The last few years has been challenging for traditional real estate investment.

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.

The role of AI in financial advice

CLIVE FERNANDES   While generative AI grabs headlines for its capabilities in content creation and automation, its real value in financial advice lies in how it augments existing processes and empowers human advisers to provide better services.

Australia's cyber security legislative package

LESLEY SUTTON, EMILIE WILLIAMS   The government recently introduced a raft of bills to parliament as part of a Cyber Security Legislative Package. This article explores the proposals to strengthen the existing obligations and government powers under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018.

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.

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.

Certified wholesale

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

Superannuation binding death benefit nomination

GERARD BASHA   Superannuation legislation and many superannuation trust deeds permit a member of a super fund to sign a binding death benefit nomination (BDBN) in favour of their dependants or the legal personal representative of the member's estate.

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.

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.

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.