While the speed of ultimate decarbonisation remains unclear, there appears to be a real opportunity for multi-decade investment as every country moves towards a cleaner environment. In this article, Peter Aquilina (Senior Investment Analyst and Head of ESG) analyses what the global Net Zero goal means for natural gas demand in the long term; and... Read more
24
May
2022
TPD: truth, tips, and tax Total and Permanent Disablement TPD cover is one of the most misunderstood types of life insurance cover, decried by many as being complicated, too costly, and too hard to claim on. But the reality is far from the truth, and against a backdrop of the 2021 IDII changes, smart advisers... Read more
23
May
2022
The introduction to a 2016 paper by global consulting firm KPMG, Transforming Client Onboarding[1], contained the following observation: “Client onboarding is a largely manual, error prone, time -consuming, incomplete process. It often aggravates consumers and financial firms alike.” Fast forward to financial advice in 2022 and this statement still holds true. Which is problematic, on... Read more
20
May
2022
This is the first of three articles aimed at providing advisers with a framework around asset allocation that will assist with client discussions and their portfolio strategy in these uncertain and changing times. At the risk of stating the obvious, as a growth asset, equities tend to do well in periods where economic growth is... Read more
19
May
2022
The challenges of sudden wealth Most people, to a greater or lesser degree, dream of sudden wealth. But whilst the pursuit of riches can be a powerful motivating force that helps people cope with their day-to-day struggles, and has energised a legion of entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, and business owners around the world, it can also... Read more
18
May
2022
The importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration has reached universal recognition. In Australia, there’s been a proliferation of ESG products competing for investor dollars. How do you best guide your clients to find a socially responsible investment option that genuinely meets their requirements and ensures you meet your best interest duty? This article,... Read more
28
Apr
2022
The opportunity One of the more notable aspects of the recent and substantial decline in adviser numbers has been the disproportionately large reduction in risk specialists. Investment Trends data[1] from the end of 2019 showed the proportion of advisers classed as risk specialists (for whom life insurance accounts for 50% or more of all revenues)... Read more
19
Apr
2022
Introduction If we were to ever appoint a Patron Saint of Financial Advice and Estate Planning, a pretty strong case could be made for Britney Spears. Because, thanks to the worldwide attention garnered on her involuntary ‘conservatorship’ case, people everywhere are starting to wake up to the archaic, arcane, and sometimes frightening consequences of having... Read more
14
Apr
2022
Introduction No study of emerging trends in financial services – and indeed financial advice – would be complete unless it examined the growing importance of RegTech. Regulatory Technology (RegTech) refers to the use of technology to achieve regulatory objectives. This can include its use by businesses to manage regulatory compliance, and by governments to manage... Read more
13
Apr
2022
Fixed income investments have long been central to a diversified portfolio. This article from GSFM explores the role of fixed income in the current environment, one in which inflation and interest rates are rising for the first time in many years. Advisers and investors have long enjoyed the capital stability and predictability of returns that... Read more
11
Apr
2022
0 comments