Thomas Paule

As the ideas boom blooms, is the Great Australian Dream less home-ownership and more entrepreneurialism?  ASK Crowe Horwath reveals key findings.

Enquiries about starting a new business and issues related to self-managed super funds (SMSFs) top the list of questions featuring in the recently launched ASK Crowe Horwath online problem solving portal, which provides obligation-free, professional insight on financial related matters.

“ASK Crowe Horwath was launched last year in Australia and now, after six months of operation, we can start to see some clear patterns in the nature of enquiries and advice sought,” said Thomas Paule, Chief of Marketing and Digital at Findex.
“ASK Crowe Horwath is targeted towards businesses and individuals, allowing questions to be posed by the general public and answered by Crowe Horwath advisors.

“There are no boundaries to the questions that can be asked, with professionals covering the full spectrum of financial services.

“The primary aim of the portal is to provide an easy point of access to professional and expert opinion.

“There are over a million SMSF trustees in Australia – that’s 1 in 24 Australians. Given their popularity, we anticipated SMSFs would figure prominently in enquiries to the site, but we are a little surprised by the level of interest in starting new businesses.

“One could hazard a guess that the spike in interest is a reflection of the ideas boom; there’s really never been a better time to start a business in Australia.

“Certainly from our experience it seems this is on top of mind for many entrepreneurs who are considering their financial and professional future.

“When it comes to the advice given, our team clearly express the importance of having a business plan, not just an idea or a hope.

“As an organisation that is highly involved with, and committed to, innovation as a pathway to growth – both individual and nationally – it has been interesting for us to note the key role technology regularly assumes in the enquiries we have been receiving about new businesses.”

So, could starting a business be the new Great Australian Dream?

“Based on our findings, it’s certainly possible, given our experience with ASK Crowe Horwath to date,” Mr. Paule said.
Due to the success of ASK Crowe Horwath portal in Australia, Crowe Horwath Australasia parent company, Findex, has announced a similar ASK Crowe Horwath site will be launched in New Zealand this week.

“It will be most interesting to see if the Australian experience is replicated in New Zealand.”

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Thomas Paule

Findex, one of Australasia’s largest accounting and financial advisory groups today announced the launch of online platform, ASK Crowe Horwath.

ASK Crowe Horwath, an obligation-free, online financial problem solving service for business and individuals, allows questions to be posed by the general public and answered by Crowe Horwath advisers.

There are no boundaries to the questions that can be asked, with professionals covering the full spectrum of financial services.

Thomas Paule, Chief Marketing & Digital Officer, Findex says the primary aim of the portal is to provide an easy point of access to professional and expert opinion.

“Crowe Horwath clients have a trusted adviser at the centre of their relationship with the firm who ensures they receive timely and strategic advice over a wide range of issues.

“We want others to be able to experience this first hand. We are giving them a taste of our knowledge, skills, style and level of care, without any obligations or charge.

“At the foundation of this approach is technology.

“Essentially, we are harnessing technology to build and enhance relationships with the market and prospective clients.”

The service is structured so an enquiry will be replied to online in writing, generally, within 24 hours.

“It’s also an opportunity for users to get a second opinion, something that may be daunting and difficult for many in this sector,” Mr Paule said.

Findex has partnered with FinTech start-up FinancialAsk to provide ASK Crowe Horwath.

As part of the recent FinTech boom, there has been increasing local interest in innovative start-up companies.

With FinTech investment reaching over AUD$270 billion worldwide, the area is experiencing enormous interest and growth.

“We are committed to FinTech – it is in Findex’s DNA to harness technology to provide better and timelier service for clients.

“We have been most impressed by the FinancialAsk team and we hope today’s launch of ASK Crowe Horwath is the first step in a very productive journey with them that will bring value to our clients and our business.

“We see this alliance as one of incubation, knowledge transfer both ways, and the ability to explore commercial opportunities on an exclusive basis,” Mr Paule said.

FinancialAsk is headed up by founder and FinTech expert Andrew Lai.

“We are delighted to work on an exclusive basis with Findex. As an ambitious start-up we could not wish for a better partner to bring our first project to market under the Findex and Crowe Horwath brands.

“Findex’s massive network of business and private clients gives the product excellent prospects for success. We have great admiration for the Findex business and their culture of innovation and technology,” added Mr Lai.

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