FS Advice

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.

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.

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.

The Australian dollar's uphill battle

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.