| Telstra Boosts Dividend and Announces $750 Million Share Buy-back Thu, 20 Feb: Telstra, Australia's leading telecommunications giant, has unveiled a significant financial move with an increase in its dividend and plans for a substantial share buy-back initiative. Following a notable 7.1% rise in first-half profit, the company aims to allocate up to $750 million for repurchasing shares. - read more
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| Victoria's Land Tax Shift: A Boon for First-Time Home Buyers Amidst Investor Retreat Thu, 20 Feb: In recent findings by Ray White, reports indicate a notable retraction of property investors from Victoria due to increased land tax rates introduced by the state government. The data highlights that investors owned over one-third of Melbourne homes auctioned by Ray White in the past year and 32.2% of regional Victorian homes. - read more
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| Super Fund Returns Start 2025 on a High Note Thu, 20 Feb: Australia's superannuation funds have begun 2025 with promising results, as reported by Chant West, a renowned superannuation research and ratings firm. In January, the median growth fund, which allocates 61% to 80% in growth assets, rose by 2.2%, following a robust 11.4% gain over the previous financial year. - read more
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| Softer Employment Figures Could Ease Inflation Concerns Thu, 20 Feb: In light of recent economic indicators, Australia's central bank may find comfort in softer job growth numbers. Despite earlier concerns over potential interest rate hikes, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) could see current trends as easing pressure on inflation. - read more
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| FAAA Questions Significant Rise in AFCA Claims Handling Costs Thu, 20 Feb: The Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) is pressing the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to justify projections indicating a substantial increase in its claims handling costs. According to an actuarial report, these costs are expected to jump from $12,450 per claim in 2024/25 to $21,334, a surge that raises concerns among financial advisors and industry stakeholders. - read more
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| Super Funds Emphasize Preservation Amid Industry Challenges Wed, 19 Feb: At the recent Professional Planner Advice Policy Summit, leaders in the superannuation industry reinforced the importance of fund preservation as integral to Australia’s retirement system. The framework was initially established by the Keating government over thirty years ago and remains a model respected internationally. - read more
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| NAB's Quarterly Profit Decline Amid Industry Competition and Rising Costs Wed, 19 Feb: National Australia Bank (NAB) has reported a $1.7 billion net profit for the final quarter of 2024, reflecting a 1 percent decrease compared to the average of the prior two quarters. The dip in profits is attributed to intensified competition within the financial sector and escalated costs associated with financial crime prevention and internal wages. - read more
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| Landmark Court Ruling Challenges Insurance Exclusion Clauses Wed, 19 Feb: An Australian court has rendered a pivotal decision in a complex insurance case featuring Mr R's Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim which was initially denied by the insurer due to a contested exclusion clause related to pre-existing conditions involving neck and shoulder injuries. - read more
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| Westpac Reports $1.7bn Profit Amid Economic Challenges Tue, 18 Feb: Westpac, Australia's oldest banking institution, announced a quarterly net profit of $1.7 billion, marking a 9% decline compared to the average of the previous two quarters. Despite this decline, the bank remains profitable due to increased consumer deposits and lending activity over the year. - read more
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| Revamped Education Pathway: New Age for Financial Advisers Tue, 18 Feb: The landscape for financial adviser education is set for a transformation as Treasury unveils its revised standards, heralding a new direction for the industry. These changes are poised to broaden the appeal and accessibility of financial advising as a career path. - read more
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| Shake-Up in Superannuation Governance: Risk of Insolvency Looms Tue, 18 Feb: Recent recommendations from the Senate Economics References Committee have set the stage for significant changes within Australia's superannuation sector, as outlined in their third interim report concerning the improvement of consumer experiences and outcomes. The committee has proposed banning superannuation funds from drawing capital from members to cover fines for misadministration and compensation payments. Instead, funds would need to rely on shareholder funding, a shift that may significantly affect the financial stability of profit-to-member funds. - read more
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| RBA's Looming Decision: A Double-Edged Sword for Homeowners? Tue, 18 Feb: As the nation awaits the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) crucial decision on interest rates, homeowners brace for potentially contrasting outcomes. While a segment of financial observers predicts a rate cut, providing much-needed relief, others foresee a possible pause, sparking a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. - read more
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| Rising Insurance Premiums: A Looming Crisis for Australian Households Tue, 18 Feb: The insurance landscape in Australia is becoming increasingly fraught as the cost of home insurance continues to climb. Recent findings have shed light on the financial strain experienced by 1.6 million households due to surging insurance expenses. Alarmingly, this figure marks an increase of 360,000 households compared to the previous year, underscoring a 30% rise in those affected by these financial burdens. - read more
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| RBA's Rate Cut Offers Mortgage Relief: What You Need to Know Tue, 18 Feb: After enduring a prolonged period of rising interest rates, Australian mortgage holders finally have something to celebrate. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a reduction in the official cash rate from 4.35% to 4.1%, marking a turning point in a rigorous rate-hiking regime aimed at curbing inflation. - read more
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| The Future of Financial Advice: Embracing Change and Innovation Mon, 17 Feb: The financial advice landscape in Australia is on the brink of a transformative era, promising both significant opportunities and challenges. As the industry evolves, those ready to adapt will thrive in what could be considered a new 'golden age' of advice. - read more
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| Watchdog Amplifies Scrutiny on Cbus Over Expenditure and Risk Management Mon, 17 Feb: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has intensified its investigation into Cbus, one of the nation's largest industry super funds, following ongoing concerns about its risk management strategies and spending practices. - read more
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| Aussie Economy on the Brink of Change: RBA Rate Cuts in Focus Mon, 17 Feb: As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) prepares for a significant shift, the nation is abuzz with speculation about the forecasted interest rate cuts. After enduring years of high rates, Australian households may soon find relief as economic indicators suggest a new monetary policy direction is imminent. - read more
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| AFCA Backs Policyholder in Stolen Car Dispute Mon, 17 Feb: In a recent ruling, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) sided with a motor insurance policyholder, awarding her the full value of her stolen vehicle alongside $3000 for non-financial losses, dismissing the insurer's fraud accusations. - read more
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| RBA On The Brink: Rate Cut Speculation Heats Up Mon, 17 Feb: Australian borrowers may soon breathe a sigh of relief as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) considers a potential interest rate reduction. Economic analysts suggest a favourable move in monetary policy may occur sooner than anticipated, during the RBA's forthcoming assembly. This insight is derived from a recent survey indicating a significant probability of an imminent rate cut. - read more
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| Superannuation Tax Reform Faces Roadblock in Senate Mon, 17 Feb: Government attempts to advance a contentious $3 million superannuation tax cap legislation have encountered a significant roadblock in the Senate. Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell from Tasmania has quashed speculations that she might capitulate and support the bill, effectively dimming its prospects of passing before the parliamentary session ends. - read more
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| Ingenious Strategies Aussies Adopt to Combat Soaring Costs Sun, 16 Feb: Amid intensifying financial pressures, Australians are finding unconventional ways to stretch their budgets as the cost of living reaches new heights. - read more
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| Debate Heats Up Over Risk Commission Caps in Insurance Sun, 16 Feb: In light of recent discussions within Australia's financial sector, notable figures from both the Coalition and Labor are advocating for the removal of risk insurance commission caps. This policy adjustment could potentially reshape the landscape for life insurance advisers across the nation. - read more
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| AZ Sestante Aims for Expansion with Strategic New Addition Tue, 11 Feb: In a strategic move to bolster its growth trajectory, AZ Sestante, the investment consulting division of AZ Next Generation Advisory, has tapped Antonio Vaiente as its new Head of Business Development. Known for his extensive experience and expertise, Vaiente's decade-long tenure as Head of Business Growth at Fitzpatricks Financial Group showcases his capabilities in steering significant business advancement. - read more
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| Super Payment Reforms: Urgent Calls and Delayed Actions Tue, 11 Feb: As the Australian superannuation landscape awaits significant reform, workers have been deprived of billions in potential savings due to lingering delays. The anticipated shift from quarterly to payday super contributions remains stalled, leaving many to question the government's timeline and priorities. - read more
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| Business Relief as Insurance Rates Decline Worldwide Tue, 11 Feb: In a new development that could signal relief for global businesses, the latest data from Marsh's commercial price monitor indicates a broad decline in insurance rates during the last quarter of 2025. This trend is especially marked in the Australia-Pacific region, which experienced an 8% reduction, making it the standout market globally. - read more
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