government

Financial planning

Cormann in disbelief over alleged FOFA deal

The Coalition has expressed disbelief the FPA may have done a deal with the ISN conceding opt-in in exchange for other concessions including enshrining the term “financia...

Policy & Regulation

Document hints at FOFA deal

A document has circulated purporting to show an agreement between the Financial Planning Association and Industry Super Network involving a trade-off, conceding opt-in ag...

Policy & Regulation

Opt-in opponents don't understand FOFA

Those who argue opt-in is unnecessary fail to understand the nature of proposed FOFA reforms, according to Sydney University academic Joanna Bird....

Superannuation

Co-contribution change could affect insurance strategies

Clients who have relied on the superannuation co-contribution to fund their insurance premiums could be faced with a shortfall from 1 July this year, according to IOOF te...

Superannuation

SPAA welcomes FOFA implementation delay

SPAA says financial planners, auditors and accountants needed the 12-month delay to FOFA implementation....

Superannuation

SMSFs and accountants - fitting a square peg into a round hole

Many have advocated that accountants simply get licensed if they wish to advise on SMSFs. However, Liz Westover claims the current single licensing model poses many diffi...

Editorial

FOFA set to give free kick to superannuation funds

The Government’s handling of FOFA risks entrenching an inappropriate advantage for superannuation funds with respect to the provision of financial advice, writes Mike Tay...

Editorial

A man’s home is his retirement

Australia’s love affair with property is well documented, but many baby boomers are selling up to fund their retirement. According to MLC's Andrew Barnett, this shows the...

Editorial

FOFA's failings come into focus as time runs out

The financial planning industry understands that time is running out to extract key amendments to the FOFA bills and, as Mike Taylor writes, the industry has distilled it...

Policy & Regulation

FOFA amendments still needed despite delay

The FPA and AFA will continue to press for amendments to FOFA despite the 12-month implementation period....

Policy & Regulation

Bill Shorten extends FOFA implementation to July 1, 2013

Government extends compulsory FOFA implementation to July 1, 2013....

Policy & Regulation

Parliament scheduled to debate FOFA today

All focus has turned to Opposition amendments and the attitude of the independents as Parliament prepares to debate the FOFA bills....

Funds management

ESG funds hold their own

Environmental, social and governance based managed funds are holding their own despite the current volatile market conditions, and may emerge at an advantage as a result ...