Need for mature debate in financial services


David Deverall
The Investment and Financial Services Association (IFSA) national conference on the Gold Coast has been told that, at a time when markets are tough, the debate being conducted about the future of the Australian financial services industry needs to be a mature one.
The chairman of IFSA and managing director of Perpetual, David Deverall, said there could be no doubting that investor confidence had been shaken but that it was up to the industry and the association to show leadership.
“The cyclical nature of markets means that we will inevitably endure periods where our industry will be stress tested,” he said. “We must draw on our experience and professionalism to evolve and innovate.”
He said that since the last IFSA national conference there had been the election of a new government, and that in tough markets the debate needed to be a mature one.
“It is good to see that having moved out of shadow portfolios the relevant ministers continue to recognise the importance of the financial services industry,” Deverall added.
Recommended for you
ASIC has released the results of its first adviser exam to be held in 2025, with 241 candidates attempting the test.
Quarterly Wealth Data analysis has uncovered positive improvements in financial adviser numbers compared with losses in the prior corresponding period.
Holding portfolios that are too complex or personalised can be a detractor for acquirers of financial advice firms as they require too much effort to maintain post-acquisition.
As the financial advice profession continues to wait on further DBFO legislation, industry commentators have encouraged advisers to act now in driving practice efficiency.