investment trends

Financial planning

Retirement uncertainty creates planning opportunity

New research confirms that Australians want good advice as they become increasingly uncertain about their retirement....

Financial planning

Planner needs central to platform competition

Meeting planner needs has become an even more intense focus for the highly competitive platform providers, according to Investment Trends....

Features

SMSF advisers – A convergence? – SMSF Feature Part 1

Accountants remain the most trusted advisers for SMSF clients but with licensing take-up remaining low following the accountants' exemption, what will this mean for SMSF ...

Financial planning

Margin lending industry to face headwinds

The margin lending industry, which contracted slightly in 2016, is expected to face more headwinds, according to Investment Trends....

Financial planning

Most planners think robo can be their friend

Robo-advice is on the rise but the latest research from Investment Trends suggests it will be mostly positive for financial advisers....

Features

Planner needs driving platform developments

Mike Taylor writes that platforms are rapidly evolving to meet both planner needs and Australia’s rapidly changing demographics — something which has given rise to the av...

Life/Risk

LIF already taking its toll on adviser revenues

New Investment Trends research has confirmed the Life Insurance Framework has already hit the bottom lines of risk advice practices....

Superannuation

SMSF unmet advice needs at record high

The overall number of SMSF trustees with unmet advice needs reached the highest level observed, according to Vanguard and Investment Trends....

Financial planning

CFD trading declines despite volatility

Retail participation in the contracts for difference market had decreased by 14 per cent despite volatility, demonstrating the need for education from providers....

Financial planning

Planners more willing to switch platforms and software

New research from Investment Trends reveals planners are more willing than ever to switch both platforms and planning software in the pursuit of better outcomes....

Accounting

Accountants lag on AFSL

Less than half of all accountants who intend on operating under a full or limited AFSL have met the licencing requirement to provide SMSF advice, despite the looming dead...

Financial planning

Too many Australians choosing not to use advisers

Too many Australians are choosing not to use advisers when making and activating financial decisions, and robo-advice could prove to be an effective bridge, according to ...

Financial planning

SMSFs want advice but aren’t getting it

Fewer SMSFs are using financial planners, but trustees want advice, while accountants and planners want software to boost their relationship, according to Investment Tren...

Features

Movers and shakers in scaled advice

Video advice takes off, older Australians take up phone-based advice, and more people want comprehensive advice instead of scaled, Jessica Amir finds. ...