FS Advice

Looking out for vulnerable clients

SEAN GRAHAM   Financial abuse rarely introduces itself. It does not always come with signs you can tick off on a checklist. But it is more common than most people realise- and growing fast.

Deductible gift recipient update

DARREN FITTLER   This article provides an overview of the updated deductible gift recipient (DGR1) category of harm prevention charities, including the requirements and processes for registration and the types of activities these entities undertake.

America's looming debt crisis

BOB CUNNEEN   Recent events have cast a glaring spotlight on the US Federal Government's debt position.

Finding opportunities in the energy transition

TOM KING   Active investment is challenging at the best of times, but the second Trump administration has added a new level of complexity.

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 future for super

CLIVE FERNANDES   This article explores the transformative change that can be achieved through the implementation of smart technologies, highlighting how this has been achieved by some financial services entities overseas.

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.

Retirement philosophies

SEAN GRAHAM   This article is based on insights shared during the live streamed webinar 'How forward thinking practices are redesigning their approach to contemporary retirement advice', hosted by Challenger on 9 April 2025, featuring Sean Graham, managing director of Assured Support.

Airbnb rentals in my SMSF property

CHRISTOPHER OVERTON   The superannuation laws do not prohibit an SMSF from providing host services to the public. However, one must ensure the SMSF's trust deed does not prohibit the self-managed superannuation fund from investing in an Airbnb property.

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.

Year end is coming!

LOUISE MEIJER, ANKIT SHARMA   As we approach the end of the financial year, it is an opportunity to reflect on the year that was and consider actions that need to be undertaken prior to 30 June to maximise year-end tax planning opportunities.

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.

Financial adviser red flags

SEAN GRAHAM   In my career, I have been required to 'handle' three significant adviser frauds, so I know that while most advisers operate with integrity and professionalism - means, motive, opportunity and lax oversight can lead to advisers making choices whose consequences can be severe for all stakeholders.

Hiring right: How to spot a high-risk adviser before ASIC does

EMANUEL KAZOULLIS   Having an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence is a bit like hosting a dinner party, where the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is an uninvited guest who will still critique your food, judge your table settings and leave a one-star review.

Navigating retirement and succession for small business owners

MICHAEL SAADIE   Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy, and when they do well, our country and our communities prosper.

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.

Using influencers in the digital age

LYNDA DOWLING   This paper focuses on influencer marketing, specifically prohibitions related to the provision of unauthorised financial services, inducement and referral selling, misleading and deceptive conduct, and engaging in unconscionable conduct.

How CFOs can add value through communication

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