Investment executives say the benefits of real assets for client portfolios can “absolutely” outweigh the illiquidity risk, provided there is a good understanding of its risks and returns and of client goals.

With the regulator announcing its enforcement focus for 2025 last week, law firm Hall & Wilcox examines the areas which have dropped down the list in priority for the regulator.

Mason Stevens has tapped Investment Trends’ head of growth, alongside two other hires, to bolster its distribution team.

Fund manager GSFM has appointed a key account manager for Queensland, following the appointment of a head of retail distribution last month.

South Australian financial advice and accounting business Perks has extended its paid parental leave program from 12 to 26 weeks, putting it on par with big four firms.

As thematic ETFs gain popularity among advisers, research houses have told Money Management of their unique challenge to rate these niche products and assess their long-term viability.

Global fund managers are the most overweight to US equities since August 2013 on the back of the election of Donald Trump as US president-elect, according to Bank of America.

Professional services group AZ NGA has made its first acquisition since announcing a $240 million strategic partnership with US manager Oaktree Capital Management in September.

Magellan Financial Group has terminated three funds in its Core Series, including a sustainable fund and ESG fund, having determined they are “unlikely to achieve the necessary scale”.

As Insignia Financial looks to bolster its two financial advice businesses, Shadforth and Bridges, CEO Scott Hartley describes to Money Management how the firm will achieve these strategic growth plans.