News

From labouring on snowy London mornings to seeing clients through the carnage of the GFC, Andrew Hewison has seen off more than a few challenges. But there are no easy answers, he says, when it comes to advice reform.

The US Federal Reserve may have guaranteed deposits at the failed bank, but its collapse constitutes a major scare for venture capital outfits and private equity purveyors with outsized technology exposure.

What worries Harry Sugiarto most about the current investment environment is the possibility that he doesn’t get a chance to fully exploit the opportunity it presents.

An adviser with a non-traditional background, Liz Wheatley has developed into a specialist in guiding charitable organisations and philanthropists. The non-investment side is just a important as the rest, she tells James Dunn.

Growth in superannuation drove Australia’s managed fund industry to near-record levels in the December 2022 quarter. While most asset classes delivered positive returns and Australian equities outperformed, investors are looking more to offshore assets for portfolio diversification.

Speaking at the SMSF Association’s National Conference, the assistant treasurer called out “modern-day Edmund Hillarys” seeking to raid Australia’s “Mount Everest of superannuation” as he pressed the need for an objective for super that prioritises preservation.

An explosive report by activist short seller Hindenburg Research led Adani Group to shelve a planned US$2.5 billion equity sale and wiped $120 billion from the multinational conglomerate’s market value. While activist short reports should be taken with a grain of salt, market observers said, some of Hindenburg’s key claims are likely valid – including that Adani was vastly overpriced.

Levy made no major deviations in her final suite of proposals, with Treasury left to mull on a blueprint for reform that should usher in a less prescriptive, two-tiered advice regime. But there are a few tweaks that might raise eyebrows.

The federal government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to rules aimed at preventing non-arm’s-length transactions by superannuation funds, in a bid to address concern that SMSFs and smaller funds that breach the provisions could be disproportionately penalised.

The SMSF adviser took an unusual path to joining the profession, one that involved almost a decade playing rugby on the hot sand and gravel of Saudi Arabia.

The respected lawyer will not see out his contract with the corporate regulator after accepting a role in the commercial sector.

Advisers are rallying around the prospect of upfront advice fees becoming tax deductible after the ATO announced a review of Tax Determination 95/60.