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. This upcoming election is looking like a tight race, and whoever assumes power on May 21 will significantly influence the financial services sector, and every... Read more continue reading
06
May
2022
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 way to helping future generations make better and more informed decisions that will ultimately be to their long-term personal and professional betterment. In fact, the... Read more continue reading
03
May
2022
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 and insurance is most common among the world’s poorest populations, rural areas and emerging economies. Financial inclusion means that convenient and affordable access to financial... Read more continue reading
30
Mar
2022
Calls for a change to “target a principles-based regulation framework” put forward by Senator Jane Hume should be considered carefully and not be a knee-jerk reaction for popular support, according to Synchron’s General Manager – Compliance, Phil Osborne. “While principles-based regulation is the ideal destination for how we should be allowed to operate as an... Read more continue reading
07
Mar
2022
Until recently central banks around the world have been ironclad in assuring businesses and consumers that they should expect interest rates to remain historically low for years to come. This stance was a critical tool in supporting confidence which helped Australia’s economy survive the tumultuous events brought on by COVID-19. It has also has been... Read more continue reading
30
Nov
2021
COVID has stoked demand for financial advice, but affordability remains an important barrier The pandemic has prompted many Australians to consider seeking advice earlier than planned. An estimated 12.6m Australian adults have unmet advice needs. Two in five Australian adults say advice is out of affordable reach, and more are reaching out to their super... Read more continue reading
05
Nov
2021
With the industry absorbing yet another wave of regulatory change this month, it’s become clear we need a circuit breaker. The Federal Government’s upcoming Quality of Advice review will be a critical moment for the industry and for Australians. It presents the opportunity to reset the course for how financial advice is regulated and how... Read more continue reading
21
Oct
2021
Last week, Canva’s co-founders Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams pledged to donate 30% (approx. $16.4b) of their business’s equity into the Canva Foundation. This is a very generous donation and is an example of long-term planned philanthropy in action. An ideal way for a family to conduct sustained philanthropic activities, like the Canva... Read more continue reading
28
Sep
2021
Evergrande on its own is unlikely to cause a financial crisis. Last week’s news that the Chinese government has informed banks that the firm would not be making a loan interest payment this week is a sign that the government are utilising tools to stem global economic fallout. Although many banks have exposure to China,... Read more continue reading
27
Sep
2021
A recent report released by life insurance specialist Brett Wright, has shed some light on the life insurance commission debate, from an advice practitioner and consumer point of view. The report breaks down the “Getting Covered” component of the consumer-adviser relationship and advice process, whilst also digging into the review and renewal of life insurance,... Read more continue reading
19
Apr
2021
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