Adhering to some basic guiding principles will help investors avoid some of the hidden pitfalls presented by the current Australian equities market, writes Michelle Lopez...

Financial Services is fraught with conflicts of interest, says Robert Keavney. But the regulatory focus on these problems means that financial planning has a bright futur...

Financial planners and dealer groups should take advantage of uncertain economic times and show leadership, writes Todd Kardas....

A change in the Financial Planning Association's leadership may be for the better, writes Mike Taylor....

IAG appears to have overcome its troubles to report a strong half-year profit and to confirm an upgrade in full-year expectations....

Mike Taylor looks at the ACCC's report on NAB's and AMP's bids for AXA Asia Pacific, as well as industry consolidation in general....

Ray Griffin takes a look at the fee-for-service debate and explains why this model will benefit clients and financial advisers alike....

Bryan Ashenden explains the significance of last year's changes to superannuation's concessional contributions cap....

Bernie Ripoll warns about the return of margin lending into the financial sector, and the dangers the practice poses for unwary investors....

Have the recent issues raised by Trio Capital (formally Astarra/Absolute Alpha) created a mini-Madoff affair? Dominick McCormick investigates....

Col Fullagar considers the matters surrounding insurance policy start dates, and explains what financial advisers need to know to ensure their clients are protected....