Editorial

Does the rise of direct investments spell trouble for financial advisers?

The fallout from the GFC has shaken consumer confidence in the financial services sector, prompting an increase in direct investments. Janine Mace takes a look at what th...

Editorial

Market for lower tier financial advice clients heats up

The market for C and D financial advice clients is heating up, both for sellers and buyers, writes Caroline Munro....

Editorial

Using a life settlement vehicle to tackle term insurance challenges

Realising the cash value on term insurance policies can often prove difficult. Col Fullagar explains why employing a life settlement vehicle can help your clients address...

Editorial

How technologies can help financial planners cut costs

New technologies and, in particular, software will help financial advisers compete in a hyper-competitive, post-commission environment....

Editorial

Can the regulators keep up with the rise of online financial advice?

The advent of intra-fund advice has given rise to online advice platforms with point-and-click delivery, writes Mike Taylor. But will the regulators be able to keep up wi...

Editorial

Financial advice and fiduciary duty - putting the emphasis back on quality

The Ripoll Review recently proposed the introduction of a statutory fiduciary duty for financial advisers. Tim Browne examines the importance of such an obligation for th...

Editorial

Why access to financial advice should be an election issue

Building a nation of prosperity through quality financial advice should be an election issue, argues Jan Kolbusz....

Editorial

IFM to use profits to generate flexibility

Investor-owned fund manager IFM plans to use profits to generate financial flexibility in order to compete with other investment managers and drive expansion, according t...

Editorial

Why the CFP certification is not enough for professional recognition

To be recognised as true professionals, financial planners need the equivalent of a degree qualification. The FPA's Certified Financial Planner designation is not enough,...

Editorial

FOFA and Cooper Review sidelined by election

With the Federal Election campaign now approaching the halfway mark, Mike Taylor notes that there has been precious little discussion about financial services, the Future...

Editorial

Insurance commissions ban a bridge too far

The industry super funds are the big winners from the inevitable ban on financial advice commissions, but now it's time for the industry to move on, writes Mike Taylor....

Editorial

A guide to SMSFs and limited recourse borrowing arrangements

Gemma Dale outlines the implications recent legislation could have for SMSF trustees who want to use limited recourse borrowing arrangements to acquire allowable assets....