News

Adviser James O’Reilly had a long-held personal ambition to “stick a pin in the ground” and make a difference, but it was realising how much his clients wanted leadership on sustainable investing that sparked change in the way his practice manages money.

“Sometimes, the market thinks we prioritise ESG factors above investment fundamentals,” says Perennial’s Emilie O’Neill. “But the reality is that it’s just another investment lens.”

After the regulator abandoned its $500K minimum balance guidance, the SMSF Association says it hopes licensees will reconsider some of the concerns they may have had about low-balance funds.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is making good on promises to combat greenwashing, issuing its second set of fines against a company for misrepresenting the ESG bona fides of an investment product.

Check out a selection of the images from The Inside Network’s inaugural ESG event in Tasmania, which saw a host of advisers, thought leaders and consultants share ideas on all things sustainability.

Treasury has released for public consultation draft legislation aimed at closing a tax loophole for off-market share buybacks, prompting renewed fears over the future of franking credits despite assurances that mum-and-dad investors will not be affected.

Life insurance advisers should retain commissions at their current level, the advice review leader proposed, but only on the condition that clients sign explicit consent agreements acknowledging conflicted remuneration.

The financial services minister is looking at tackling scammers at the source: “Does our barista down the corner really need my email address, my bank details, my name and my mobile phone number just to buy a cup of coffee?”

In between night missions in the Afghan desert, Warren Loudon would complete his financial planning assignments on a handheld ‘tough book’. “When I got back to base I’d submit them,” he recalls.

Like many people, Ashley O’Connor, head of investment strategy at Invesco Australia, did not exactly plan for the career he ultimately embarked upon. But some serendipity brought him to a role he truly values.

Implementing the current proposal for ‘experienced’ advisers to skip the relevant degree mandate will do far more harm than good, the association argues, with both current and future advisers turned off by the plan.

The two fundies were among the major winners at the Australian Alternative Hedge Fund Awards in Sydney on Thursday night, with the event celebrating its 18th year in marking the best alternative managers in the country.