Off-the-shelf v customised: what the future holds

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The financial advisory industry is at a watershed. Its preference for customised multi-asset portfolios that gives them a direct input into client investment decisions will increasingly give way to ready-made... Read more continue reading

RBA: Is the narrow path a tightrope?

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Much has been made of the RBA Board’s decision at its April meeting to leave the policy rate unchanged at 3.60 per cent. That “pause” confirms the RBA’s status as... Read more continue reading

Macroscope: SVB Financial- a consequence of exiting false equilibrium   

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Ninety One Portfolio Manager Iain Cunningham discusses how the failure of SVB Financial is a consequence of something much bigger – and how we might be facing the start, rather... Read more continue reading

Orphan clients’ evolving into a consumer crisis – over regulation and industry self-interest the cause

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The financial services industry dilemma of having sufficient resources and advice practitioners to service the needs of orphan customers is not a new story, it’s a crisis that has been... Read more continue reading

Monetary policy, wages and Australian economic “exceptionalism”

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One has to feel a little bit of sympathy for RBA Governor Philip Lowe. Some straightforward and economically incontestable commentary regarding wage growth and inflation and the desirability of linking... Read more continue reading

Redefining stewardship: Why stakeholder capitalism needs to wake up

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Asset managers and other financial institutions have a duty to act in the best interests of their customers and society. Macro stewardship will be crucial to meeting these responsibilities, argues... Read more continue reading

The ANZ-Suncorp deal: What it means for the sector

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Melbourne-based ANZ has announced an offer to acquire Brisbane-based Suncorp Group’s banking arm, Suncorp Bank, for $4.9 billion, which Suncorp Group has accepted. The takeover is still subject to numerous... Read more continue reading

An open letter to Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison on behalf of the financial advice community

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Dear Anthony and Scott, With the Federal Election rapidly approaching, I felt compelled to put pen to paper to highlight the issues that continue to plague the financial services community.... Read more continue reading

Federal election and post-COVID-19 experience are reaffirming need for financial literacy to be taught in schools

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Financial literacy is a core life skill that needs to be taught as a compulsory topic in Australian schools.  Although not a new idea, the basics will go a long... Read more continue reading

Financial inclusion – what it means and how it is being addressed

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Nearly one-third of the world’s adult population and a significant percentage of small- and medium-size businesses lack access to basic financial services. Exclusion from basic banking, credit, investments, payment systems... Read more continue reading