| Digital Estate Planning: MiQ's New Frontline Strategy Thu, 05 Dec: The dynamic transformation of the financial advisory landscape continues as MiQ Private Wealth introduces a pioneering digital estate planning platform. In collaboration with Australian fintech company Yodal, this innovation emerged from a successful six-month trial, promising to redefine client engagement. - read more
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| Enhanced Oversight Seeks Greater Accountability in Underperformance Thu, 05 Dec: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is calling for heightened scrutiny of superannuation choice products that consistently underperform. However, the watchdog clarifies it does not necessitate compulsory action on such findings. - read more
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| Australian Dollar Tumbles Amid Global Economic Shifts Thu, 05 Dec: As global market dynamics continue to shift, the Australian dollar has recently plummeted, reaching a six-month low. Investors are closely monitoring these developments, considering the various forces at play and their potential impacts. - read more
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| Bakery Blaze Sparks Allegations of Insurance Fraud Thu, 05 Dec: A bakery owner in Western Australia has been engulfed in controversy following accusations of deliberately setting her business premises on fire. Officials allege this was an attempt to secure a hefty insurance payout. - read more
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| Heat Claims Denied: Insurer Cites 'Oven Effect' in Container Dispute Thu, 05 Dec: A local business operator suffering significant heat damage to pool covers stored within shipping containers has experienced a setback, as a recent ruling favored the insurer's interpretation of their policy terms. The implications of this decision represent a crucial discussion point for businesses storing items prone to temperature sensitivity. - read more
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| AMP's Transition Showcases Adviser-Centric Rebranding Strategy Tue, 03 Dec: AMP is undergoing a significant transformation, with a forthcoming rebrand of AMP Advice and AMP Financial Planning. Spearheaded by Matt Lawler, now CEO of what is tentatively called NewCo, this transition includes working closely with advisers to ensure their voices are essential in shaping the future of the brand. 'This process is set to be particularly democratic,' said Lawler, highlighting the collaborative approach. - read more
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| Superannuation Boom: Assets Break New Grounds Tue, 03 Dec: The Australian superannuation landscape has reached an unprecedented milestone, with total assets reaching beyond $4 trillion by the close of September, according to recent figures published by APRA. - read more
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| Reserve Bank Anticipates Significant Rate Reduction Tue, 03 Dec: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is poised to decrease the official cash rate by a notable 50 basis points this week. This action comes on the heels of a cumulative 75 basis points reduction across the last two monetary policy discussions. - read more
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| Life Insurance Takes Backseat in Cost-Cutting Measures Tue, 03 Dec: As Australians tighten their belts in the face of rising living costs, life insurance is rapidly being placed on the chopping block. The Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) reports that individuals are more likely to reduce life cover rather than home or car insurance. - read more
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| A Hidden Economic Struggle: Australia’s Mirage of Growth Mon, 02 Dec: Amid Australia's apparent economic growth, a deeper analysis reveals a concerning decline in living standards - read more
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| Superannuation Reform: Housing Legislation Faces New Challenges Mon, 02 Dec: As the year's legislative calendar winds down, the Australian government finds itself tackling a contentious issue: how best to align superannuation policies with housing needs. A recent decision by Parliament might make integrating these two sectors more challenging, sparking conversations across lobby groups and superannuation funds. - read more
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| RBA Board Overhaul Raises Questions Mon, 02 Dec: The recent decision to reconfigure the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) leadership structure presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in the ongoing battle against inflation. Dr. Shane Oliver, Chief Economist at AMP, has voiced concerns that easing inflation control measures could tarnish the bank's credibility. - read more
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| Call for Greater Transparency in Professional Indemnity Insurance Mon, 02 Dec: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) is advocating for enhanced transparency concerning the Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance maintained by member companies, highlighting its current lack of oversight regarding PI insurers. - read more
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| Shaping the Future: Creating Unique Adviser Brand Identities Thu, 28 Nov: In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial advising, professionals are seeking to distinguish themselves by establishing unique brand identities. This need was a central theme at a recent discussion convened by Intelliflo, a British fintech firm, in Sydney. - read more
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| Superannuation Overhaul: A Game Changer for Retirees Thu, 28 Nov: Australia's life insurance sector is rallying behind the federal government's proactive steps to overhaul the superannuation landscape, with special emphasis on the retirement phase. - read more
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| Relief for First-Time Home Buyers: Reforming Borrowing Rules Thu, 28 Nov: First-time home buyers may soon experience a significant reduction in the obstacles they face when applying for mortgages. A recent senate inquiry recommends revising the current stringent 3% serviceability buffer, which is deemed too harsh for prospective homeowners. - read more
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| Senate Pushes for Transparency in Insurance Premiums Thu, 28 Nov: The Senate has called on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to adopt a more active role in monitoring insurance premiums. This comes as part of a broader recommendation advocating for insurers to enhance pricing transparency to assist consumers better understand their policies. - read more
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| Crypto Wallets: The New Face of Investment Strategy? Wed, 27 Nov: Franklin Templeton’s recent report on cryptographic wallets highlights an innovative shift in how investment portfolios might soon operate. These wallets could serve as a bridge, improving the integration of diverse investment vehicles within a single portfolio. This potential for transformation could revolutionize the current investment landscape by providing unified tracking and management across various investment types. - read more
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| SMSFs Cross the Landmark of $1 Trillion in Assets Wed, 27 Nov: The self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) sector in Australia has reached a significant milestone with assets now exceeding $1 trillion, as revealed by the latest data from the SMSF Association. This achievement underscores the increasing level of trust Australians place in self-managed funds for managing their retirement savings. - read more
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| Reformed HECS Indexation to Benefit Millions of Australians Wed, 27 Nov: In a defining move to address the burden of student loan debts, the Australian government has passed new legislation, aiming to redirect how annual indexation charges on HECS debts are calculated. This legislative change will result in substantial financial relief for over three million Australians. - read more
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| Simplifying Insurance Advice: Industry and Consumers Aligned Wed, 27 Nov: The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is urging a revision of existing advice regulations to significantly improve customer interaction quality. This push comes ahead of an anticipated wave of reforms by the federal government expected to ease the delivery of simple advice within the insurance sector. - read more
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| Customer Wins in Insurance Dispute Over Laser Equipment Wed, 27 Nov: In a recent ruling, a salon owner successfully contested a claim with her insurance provider concerning a dispute over a laser machine. This case highlights significant issues around insurance policy interpretation and customer rights. - read more
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| Rising Home Prices Elevate Australia's Millionaire Count Mon, 25 Nov: Australia's journey to becoming a millionaire paradise seems increasingly tied to real estate, as new studies reflect an astounding number of citizens whose wealth crosses the magic million-dollar line. However, the surge is less about entrepreneurial breakthroughs and more about appreciating home values. Financial comparison website Finder, renowned for its financial insights, revealed insights that emphasize this trend. - read more
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| APRA Intensifies Focus on Super Fund Asset Management Mon, 25 Nov: A mere few days following the public revelation of HESTA's need to compensate members over unlisted asset repricing, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the impending release of an in-depth analysis of this issue. Their rigorous investigation highlights the meticulous oversight the superannuation sector is currently undergoing. - read more
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| BFG Aims for Full Control of Selfwealth Mon, 25 Nov: Bella Financial Group (BFG) is set to take complete ownership of Selfwealth following an official announcement today, signaling another significant step in the finance world. - read more
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