government

Financial planning

Government launches consumer finance website

The Government has launched a website dedicated to helping consumers better understand and manage their finances....

Life/Risk

Insurance advice 'different'

Treasury looks at different rules for insurance and investment advice....

Editorial

Scoped advice equals better value financial advice

Scott Machin explains how scoped advice is bringing financial advice within the reach of all Australians....

Financial planning

Glimmer of hope for volume rebates

Some volume rebates may survive the Federal Government’s Future of Financial Advice reforms....

Financial planning

CFS launches platform revamp to end fees debate

CFS has revamped its FirstChoice Wholesale platform to offer fees lower than industry funds....

Policy & Regulation

NIA launches FOFA assistance for members

The National Institute of Accountants (NIA) has launched an assistance program focused on the proposed Future of Financial Advice reforms, which the association says will...

Editorial

FOFA: Opening Pandora's box

Mike Taylor reports that the former chief justice of the High Court, Sir Anthony Mason, has pointed to the legislative challenges facing the Government in delivering an e...

Editorial

The internet threat to supermarkets

Tim Nation asks if the rise in popularity of Internet shopping threatens the success of the traditional regional shopping centre....

Financial planning

Overdue consultation paper causes concern

The Federal Treasury appears to have left open the question of a statutory compensation scheme covering financial planners, with a review due for completion in January st...

Superannuation

Advisers may be pressured to provide retiree strategies

The Government has stopped short of imposing retirement solutions stemming from super, although it may place pressure on advisers to address the risks retirees face in th...

Financial planning

Opt-in abrogates status of contracts

A panel of senior financial planners has warned that ‘opt-in’ will drive up costs and abrogate the fundamental relationship between advisers and clients....

Editorial

Paying the high price of financial planning 'opt in'

With the Gillard Government believed certain to impose client 'opt in' arrangements on financial planners, Mike Taylor writes that some serious questions are being asked ...

Financial planning

Cash: Losing the home advantage

Australia did not experience the dramatic downturn experienced by other markets during the global financial crisis, but neither has it enjoyed the massive upswings. This ...