government and regulation

Financial planning

Synchron has lashed out at the Government, the industry funds and what it sees as the 'socialist' agenda behind the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms....

Superannuation

Government releases new rules for SMSF collectibles

The new rules for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) investing in collectables and personal-use assets have been revealed by the Government....

Financial planning

CFOs divided on corporate governance

Opinion is divided as to whether corporate governance hinders entrepreneurial activity, a survey of 250 chief financial officers (CFOs) of listed companies in Australasia...

Policy & Regulation

FOFA rhetoric doesn't match strategy: AFA

The original intent of the Government's Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms was to create enhanced transparency and better outcomes for investors, but this rhetoric...

Superannuation

Labor falls short on super promise

The Labor Government has come under fire for once again failing to acknowledge its own pre-election policy to bring greater transparency and competition into the default ...

Financial planning

Midwinter gauges adviser sentiment post Budget

Over half of advisers surveyed have neutral feelings towards the Federal Budget announcements, with only 24 per cent positive and 18 per cent negative, according to Midwi...

Financial planning

Platforms to offer help with opt-in

Platform providers will have an ideal opportunity to manage and run the opt-in requirement on behalf of financial planners, once the Government's Future of Financial Advi...

Financial planning

ASIC seeks to tighten rules around CFDs and margin forex

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has proposed a tightening of the rules around the financial requirements for issuers of over-the-counter deriv...

Policy & Regulation

Accountants worried about trust income tax reform

Accounting firm Crowe Horwath has expressed concerns about the Government's handling of trust income taxation reform, claiming it is not allowing enough time for consulta...

Financial planning

Industry backs recommendation to scrap ban on exit fees

A Senate committee on competition in Australia's banking sector has recommended the Government reconsider its proposed ban on exit fees, with much industry support....

Financial planning

ASIC bans two from providing financial services

Two people have been banned from providing financial services for five and three years respectively, following separate investigations by the Australian Securities and In...

Financial planning

Commissions ban to shake risk market

A survey of life risk advisers has confirmed the Government's Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) changes to commissions within superannuation will have a significant impac...

Financial planning

ASIC extends hedging relief for market makers

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has granted extended relief for market makers wishing to hedge risk by short selling securities....

Policy & Regulation

IPA calls for genuine tax reform

The Institute of Public Accountants has called for a genuine look at detailed tax reform, including a revisiting of the complexities of the capital gains tax, in this yea...

Superannuation

May Budget to ring in super changes

The Federal Government is expected to announce a number of key changes in the May Budget aimed at overcoming what are regarded as unintended consequences around the so-ca...