cooper review

Policy & Regulation

Smaller players exposed by FOFA, say analysts

While Australia’s big wealth management firms are well placed to adjust to the FOFA reforms, the smaller players will struggle....

Superannuation

Super fee separation fallacy

Chant West issues warning that separating adviser fees from super returns will not necessarily create greater clarity....

Editorial

Are the financial planning industry’s FOFA criticisms being ignored?

Recent comments by Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Bill Shorten have brought the Government's willingness to consult with the industry about FOFA ...

Financial planning

First State Super and Health Super to merge

The merger of First State Super and Health Super would create one of the biggest super funds in Australia....

Life/Risk

Calls to level insurance tax playing field

Australia’s tax regime should be amended to give insurance cover the same status irrespective of whether it is obtained inside or outside of superannuation....

Superannuation

ATO backs Cooper SMSF initiatives

ATO confirms identifying 140 illegitimate SMSFs and backs the Cooper recommendations....

Superannuation

SPAA pushes for further adviser education around SMSFs

The Self-Managed Super Fund Professionals’ Association is pushing for higher standards for financial planners who advise in the sector....

Editorial

Bill Shorten puts MySuper reforms on the backburner

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Bill Shorten, has outlined some of the Government's policy agenda, including a commitment to MySuper but, as ...

Financial planning

Reforms beneficial, but implementation questioned

Members of the financial services industry regard the proposed reforms package as beneficial, but question its ultimate success, according to the research conducted by RB...

Financial planning

Advisers urged to raise their voices

CommInsure is backing a campaign of direct action on the part of financial planners, encouraging them to approach local members of Parliament to make the case for advice ...

Superannuation

Accountants worried about rising SMSF costs

Cooper Review recommendations that SMSFs be subject to more stringent auditing requirements will needlessly increase costs, according to accounting firm Chan & Naylor...

Financial planning

Intra-fund advice not immune to cost pressures

Analysis from Citigroup has highlighted the fact that providers of intra-fund advice will not be immune to cost pressures if the Government’s proposed expansion of ...

Superannuation

SMSFs facing greater scrutiny and regulation

The Cooper Review panel may have suggested otherwise, but Mike Taylor writes that the exponential growth in the number of self-managed superannuation funds and the invest...

Policy & Regulation

FPA/AFA confident on FOFA consultation

The FPA and the Association AFA are confident that the industry has the ear of Treasury as the consultation around the Future of Financial Advice reforms has resumed....

Financial planning

New planning association launched

Accountants move to increase their foothold in the financial planning arena with new association....