Scaling through M&A? Ask yourself these four questions firstBY XAN KITCHIN | FRIDAY, 27 JUN 2025 1:59PM Growth has suddenly become sexy again and the temptation to jump into a commercial contract or private equity purchase arrangement that builds overnight scale is a clear and evident allure to hard working ...
 Ethical finance: Australia's untapped financial planning opportunityThere is a significant gap in serving diverse ethical and cultural needs in Australia's financial services industry. And this gap doesn't just offer a ...  When cash is no longer kingWith markets correcting and interest rates falling as economic growth slows, investors may need to adapt their investment strategies as economic conditions ...  Growth by design rather than by chanceRecently, Freshwater Wealth announced it has achieved 600% growth in less than 12-months, expanding its business to include seven financial advisers and ...  Is the TPD claims process creating additional harm?While most of us breathed a sigh of relief as the worst-case scenario for Tropical Cyclone Alfred didn't materialise, insurance has been on the minds ...  Dear ASIC: How to respond to a regulatory noticeA poorly planned and inadequate response to either a general inquiry or statutory notice from ASIC typically leads to protracted surveillance and action.  Improving flexibility in financial planning key to attracting more women and increasing numbersOver the past few years, the percentage of females to males in financial advice has been dwindling. From a high of around 24% the percentage is now closer ...  The tough question advisers (and clients) are facing on the value of life insuranceA recent poll of Australian financial advisers in February 2025 found more than three-quarters (79%) have experienced a higher rate of life insurance ...  The financial advice industry needs to take advantage of AI, not the other way aroundAmidst lofty statements that AI will take the place of humans in service industries, there are digital solutions businesses working on implementation ...  Attracting new talent to risk adviceAustralia's underinsurance gap is a growing concern that threatens the financial security of millions.  Bridging the gap: Making financial advice more accessible and efficientFinancial advice plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions. |
Latest News
ASIC funding levy to charge advisers $46.2m
The financial advice sector can expect to contribute $46.2 million to ASIC's industry funding levy for the 2025 financial year, new estimates show.
ASIC releases new relief for reportable situations regime
ASIC has provided AFSLs new reliefs to help them manage the reportable situations regime, which includes extending the length of investigations reportable from 30 days to 60 days.
TA Associates invests in Viridian Financial Group
TA Associates announced it will make an undisclosed investment in Viridian Financial Group to help the latter accelerate its next phase of growth.
Shaw and Partners splashes $63m for New Zealand expansion
Shaw and Partners Financial Services, a subsidiary of EFG International, has acquired a 75% stake in Auckland-based Investment Services Group (ISG) for NZ$67.5 million ($62.5m).
Further Reading
Cover Story
Moving mountains
MAGDELINE JACOVIDES
FOUNDER & FINANCIAL PLANNER
MAZI WEALTH
FOUNDER & FINANCIAL PLANNER
MAZI WEALTH
On top of running a successful practice, Mazi Wealth founder Deline Jacovides is a fierce advocate for closing the superannuation gender gap and has built a highly popular social media presence that takes financial literacy to the next level. She tells Karren Vergara where her passion comes from and how she integrates it all with family life.
Expert Feed
The need to achieve real scale in advice - and serve all Australians
One of the great social challenges in financial services today is the millions of everyday Australians who want and need financial guidance but cannot ...
Are US assets becoming less desirable?
There has been so much commentary, including by us, on the twists and turns of US trade policy - notwithstanding the latest 90-day truce with China - ...
Listed private equity: A strategic opportunity amid global market dislocation
The sharp escalation in global trade tensions in 2025 has injected a fresh layer of volatility into capital markets.
How to manage the rise of 'early' inheritances
For decades, financial advice around wealth transfers has largely focused on estate planning and the distribution of assets after death. However, a significant ...
