News image: Digital Estate Planning: MiQ's New Frontline Strategy 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
News image: Enhanced Oversight Seeks Greater Accountability in Underperformance 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
News image: Australian Dollar Tumbles Amid Global Economic Shifts 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
News image: Bakery Blaze Sparks Allegations of Insurance Fraud 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
News image: Heat Claims Denied: Insurer Cites 'Oven Effect' in Container Dispute 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
News image: AMP's Transition Showcases Adviser-Centric Rebranding Strategy 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
News image: Superannuation Boom: Assets Break New Grounds 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
News image: Reserve Bank Anticipates Significant Rate Reduction 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
News image: Life Insurance Takes Backseat in Cost-Cutting Measures 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
News image: A Hidden Economic Struggle: Australia’s Mirage of Growth 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
News image: Superannuation Reform: Housing Legislation Faces New Challenges 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
News image: RBA Board Overhaul Raises Questions 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
News image: Call for Greater Transparency in Professional Indemnity Insurance 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
News image: Shaping the Future: Creating Unique Adviser Brand Identities 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
News image: Superannuation Overhaul: A Game Changer for Retirees 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
News image: Relief for First-Time Home Buyers: Reforming Borrowing Rules 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
News image: Senate Pushes for Transparency in Insurance Premiums 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
News image: Crypto Wallets: The New Face of Investment Strategy? 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
News image: SMSFs Cross the Landmark of $1 Trillion in Assets 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
News image: Reformed HECS Indexation to Benefit Millions of Australians 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
News image: Simplifying Insurance Advice: Industry and Consumers Aligned 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
News image: Customer Wins in Insurance Dispute Over Laser Equipment 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
News image: Rising Home Prices Elevate Australia's Millionaire Count 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
News image: APRA Intensifies Focus on Super Fund Asset Management 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
News image: BFG Aims for Full Control of Selfwealth 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