It pays to understand super trustees' obligations as modified by the Treasury Laws Amendment (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Act 2024 (the DBFO Act), when it comes to advice fees. Read more

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

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

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 ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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 ... Read more

The Australian dollar versus the US dollar exchange rate faces several headwinds in 2025. Read more

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

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. Read more

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. Read more

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

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 ... Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more