This module outlines the importance of safeguarding client data in financial services, including regulatory obligations, practical controls, and ethical responsibility.

Accreditation Points Allocation:

0.25 Technical Competence

0.25 Client Care and Practice

0.25 Regulatory Compliance and Consumer Protection

Introduction
Good [morning/afternoon], everyone. Thank you for joining today’s CPD session. As
professionals in the financial services industry, we are witnessing a growing emphasis on
ethical investing—driven not only by regulatory and policy shifts but also by an evolving client
base that values sustainability and ethical governance.
Today’s session is designed to deepen your understanding of ethical investment principles,
provide actionable strategies for client engagement, and ensure you remain aligned with the
ethical standards expected of licensed financial professionals.
Section 1: What is Ethical Investment?
Ethical investment, also known as socially responsible investing (SRI) or ESG investing, is an
investment approach that considers environmental, social, and governance factors alongside
financial returns. This strategy seeks to align investment decisions with broader values and
long-term societal goals.
There are three primary approaches to ethical investing:
1. Negative Screening – Excluding companies involved in controversial activities (e.g.,
tobacco, weapons, fossil fuels).
2. Positive Screening – Actively selecting companies with strong ESG performance.
3. Impact Investing – Targeting investments in projects or companies intended to generate
measurable social or environmental impact.
The global shift toward ethical investing is not just a trend; it’s a reflection of growing concern
about climate change, corporate responsibility, and long-term financial sustainability.
Section 2: The Rise of ESG Integration
Over the past decade, ESG integration has moved from the margins to the mainstream.
According to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA), over USD $35 trillion in assets
under management globally now incorporate some form of ESG consideration.
Australia is no exception. The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) reports
that responsible investment now represents 43% of the total market. This change is largely
driven by:
• Regulatory pressures from ASIC and APRA
• Demand from younger investors and superannuation funds
• Reputation and risk management among fund managers
From a fiduciary perspective, ESG risks—such as climate risk or governance failures—are
material and must be factored into long-term investment strategies.
Section 3: The Role of the Financial Professional
Your role as a financial advisor or investment professional is central to the growth of ethical
investing. Clients are increasingly expecting their advisers to discuss not only performance but
also purpose.
Key responsibilities include:
• Educating Clients: Provide clear explanations of ESG concepts and how different funds
or companies apply these standards.
• Client Discovery: Use ESG-related questionnaires to assess values-based preferences
alongside risk profiles.
• Product Due Diligence: Scrutinise managed funds, ETFs, and equities claiming ESG
credentials—especially given the rise of “greenwashing”.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed of ASIC’s guidelines on sustainability
disclosure and ensure client files reflect the rationale for ESG-related advice.
Section 4: Addressing Greenwashing and Misrepresentation
One of the major challenges in ethical investing is greenwashing—where companies or funds
exaggerate or falsely claim environmental credentials.
To combat this:
• Rely on independent ESG ratings and third-party certification (e.g., RIAA Certification,
MSCI ESG Ratings).
• Review underlying holdings of ESG-labelled funds.
• Watch for inconsistency between a fund’s marketing and actual investment activity.
• Educate clients on the nuances—ethical investing isn’t perfect or static; it’s evolving.
As ASIC has warned, misleading sustainability claims can expose both clients and advisers to
risk. Due diligence is not just best practice—it’s mandatory.
Section 5: Ethical Investment in Practice – Case Study
Let’s take a brief case study.
Client Profile: Sarah, age 38, tech executive, moderate risk tolerance, prioritises environmental
sustainability.
Scenario: Sarah is interested in investing her $200,000 bonus in a way that avoids fossil fuels
and supports renewable energy innovation.
Adviser Action Plan:
1. Conduct an ESG preferences questionnaire to refine priorities (e.g., environmental
focus vs. social).
2. Present options: Green ETFs, actively managed sustainable funds, or direct equities.
3. Review product disclosure statements (PDS) and sustainability reports.
4. Document advice rationale, including alignment with Sarah’s objectives and risk profile.
Outcome: Sarah selects a diversified ESG fund with exposure to clean tech companies. Her
portfolio reflects both financial goals and ethical values.
Section 6: Looking Ahead – Trends and Skills Development
The future of ethical investment includes:
• Stricter Regulatory Oversight: ASIC, APRA and the ACCC are collaborating on
sustainable finance regulation.
• ESG Data Innovations: Advances in AI and big data will enhance ESG analytics.
• Client Engagement: Younger investors will continue to drive demand for purpose-led
portfolios.
As professionals, your CPD should increasingly focus on:
• Understanding ESG metrics and controversies
• Analysing sustainability reports
• Enhancing client communication on non-financial metrics
• Leveraging technology to assess ESG risk exposure
Conclusion
To conclude: ethical investing is no longer optional—it’s a professional and ethical imperative.
By equipping ourselves with the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, we can guide clients
toward investments that reflect both their financial goals and their values.
Let’s continue to grow as professionals who not only manage money—but help shape the future
responsibly.
Thank you for your attention.

Test Article ABC

The financial planning profession in Australia is not merely a technical discipline—it is a moral practice. Advisers are entrusted with shaping the financial futures of individuals and families, and that trust rests on ethical foundations. In recent years, with the codification of ethical obligations under FASEA’s Code of Ethics, the industry has taken steps to formalise these expectations. Yet, to truly elevate professionalism, advisers must also understand the philosophical scaffolding underpinning these obligations.

In the dynamic world of financial advice and wealth management, it can be easy to feel that each new conference or trade show has the same familiar format. Typically, attendees gather in a hotel ballroom, watch a series of presentations, network over coffee breaks, and then head back to the office with a binder of notes that might—or might not—translate into practical changes.

Financial professionals gather at conferences and festivals for various reasons: to hear from industry-leading experts, to discover new ways to serve clients, and to collaborate with peers in the spirit of professional development. In the case of the Future Proof Festival, something more happened. By blending an open-air, music-festival ambiance with deep discussions and practice management insights, participants were encouraged not only to learn about financial innovation but also to engage in a lively, community-oriented atmosphere.

The financial planning profession stands at a crossroads where technology, regulation, client expectations, and the global exchange of ideas are reshaping time-honored practices. To remain relevant and to deliver true value, advisors must adapt to changing client needs, changing markets, and changing technology. However, no matter how much evolves, the pillars of professionalism and ethics must remain the bedrock of high-quality financial advice.

Disclaimers and disclosures have always been a part of financial advice, but seldom do they point so directly to the importance of ethics and professionalism as the ones that introduced the Future Proof Festival’s “Ensemble on Tour” series. Hosted in the sun-soaked outdoors of Huntington Beach, California, this innovative wealth management event brought together financial advisors, marketing leaders, fintech entrepreneurs, psychologists, and practice owners to explore the future of advice. Across four days, the overarching theme was growth—yet with a clarion call for more balance, deeper ethical grounding, and a human-first approach to helping clients.

In recent years, conversations surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) have taken center stage in nearly every industry, from healthcare to education and beyond. In financial planning—where paperwork can be immense, client needs complex, and compliance paramount—advisors are increasingly looking to AI as a means to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and elevate the client experience. However, as with any new technology, concerns about ethics, data security, and professional integrity loom large.

In the ever-evolving world of finance, few elements remain as critical—or as fundamentally demanded by clients and peers alike—as professionalism and ethics. These form the bedrock of trust, the vital commodity any advisor or firm must secure to serve clients effectively. Recently, I (James Wrigley) had the pleasure of sitting down with Josh Pennell, Director of Prosper Advisory. Our discussion ranged from his early career path and the founding principles behind Prosper Advisory, to the day-to-day strategies used for steady, ethical growth. The interview revealed not only how Josh and his team guide clients from small-business owners to retirees, but how they place ethical considerations and professional best practices at the center of every relationship.

Financial advice in Australia has undergone massive change over the last decade, shaped predominantly by regulatory reform and shifting legislative requirements. In response, many advice practices have invested enormous time and energy into compliance, process changes, and retooling their businesses. Although regulatory demands remain ongoing, a new horizon of opportunities—and challenges—has emerged, driven by broader economic, social, and technological developments.

Financial advice has long been recognized as a cornerstone of individual wealth-building and economic stability. In recent years, however, it has also emerged as a hotbed of technological innovation. From automated client onboarding to AI-driven data analysis, technology now permeates every corner of the advice process, helping advisors streamline workflows and deliver more impactful outcomes. Yet while technology opens the door to new opportunities—such as more extensive client outreach and dynamic modeling solutions—it also demands a renewed focus on professionalism and ethics. Advisors must ensure they remain client-centric in all interactions, safeguarding data integrity and honoring regulatory requirements amid an ever-changing digital landscape.

Financial advice has undergone tremendous change over the last decade—an evolution influenced by new regulations, heightened client expectations, and the rapid development of technology solutions. Advisors have had to navigate a complex legal framework of best-interest duties, fee disclosure, and ongoing compliance while still maintaining a client-centric focus. In such an environment, professionalism and ethics are not optional niceties; rather, they are the anchors that guide every decision, ensuring the client’s welfare stays front and center.

Professionalism and ethics form the cornerstone of financial advisory services. As the environment in which clients seek advice becomes increasingly complex, so too does the responsibility upon professionals to provide guidance that is both effective and principled. In a recent podcast discussion, hosted by Peita Diamantidis and joined by special guest Kelli Willmer, Executive General Manager of Wealth at Iress, the conversation explored key shifts that will reshape the financial advice sector. From rising retirement demands and housing unaffordability to the role of artificial intelligence, the overarching message is one of collaboration and forward-thinking.

In an era where technology continues to reshape every aspect of modern life, financial advice is no exception. As more professionals and clients recognize the potential in digital platforms, the opportunity to deliver high-quality, ethically grounded personal advice grows exponentially. In a recent podcast discussion, host Patrick Gardner, Head of Technology at Collins SBA, spoke with guest George Haramis, CEO and Co-Founder of Money GPS, about how digitizing the advice journey is helping both advisors and clients across Australia. This article distills the key insights from that conversation into an in-depth exploration of how digital advice platforms are enabling a new chapter for ethical and professional financial services.

Financial advice spans a wide range of specialties—from investment and retirement planning to tax strategies and estate guidance. Yet one facet of advice often stands out for its complexity and the deeply personal impact it can have on clients: risk and insurance. In a recent conversation, James Wrigley, host of a financial-services podcast, spoke with Carlie Thatcher, an insurance-only adviser at MBS Insurance. Their exchange offered insights into how insurance-only advice functions in today’s market, the types of clients who seek these specialized services, and the role that ethics and professionalism play in delivering high-quality guidance.

Professionalism and ethics are the cornerstones of any enduring enterprise. In the realm of financial advice—where success depends on trust, expertise, and a commitment to doing right by clients—these qualities are more than just business principles; they are moral imperatives. In this article, we delve into the journey of Bell Partners Wealth Creation (part of the broader Bell Partners Australia group), as related by Managing Partner Brett Taggart in conversation with host Andrew Rocks. From humble beginnings and early missteps in college to leading a nationwide network of financial advisory offices, Brett’s story illuminates how a commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct, and community-mindedness can drive both personal fulfillment and business success.

Retirement is a pivotal stage in every Australian’s life. It encapsulates years of hard work, personal dreams, and financial maneuvering, often unfolding amid the complex regulations of our superannuation system. Yet for many Australians—whether they are already retired or preparing to retire—there is uncertainty about how best to secure both financial stability and personal well-being.

Retirement planning can be one of the most significant milestones in a person’s financial journey. It involves not only understanding how much one needs to save but also how to spend these funds responsibly, how to navigate taxation and government entitlements, and how to maintain enough flexibility to handle life’s inevitable surprises. In addition, it brings its own emotional and psychological changes that many professionals, especially financial advisors, must be prepared to address.

In the world of financial advising, few debates provoke more consistent and spirited discussion than the choice between active and passive investing. It is a conversation that resurfaces whenever markets soar to dizzying highs or tremble through moments of volatility. Many advisors have encountered clients asking: “Why not just buy a low-cost index fund and hold for the long run?” just as others query, “Isn’t it wiser to pay for professional stock-pickers who can steer us away from downturns?”

In a rapidly evolving financial services landscape, few attributes are more critical than uncompromising ethics and steadfast professionalism. Advisors the world over wrestle with the challenge of maintaining a client-centric focus while dealing with increasing regulatory complexities and fast-moving technology. In a recent podcast conversation, host James Wrigley sat down with Tim Townsend—co-founder of Townsend Cabaine Private Wealth Partners—to explore the central pillars of running a bespoke financial advisory practice. Spanning topics from building strong client relationships to fee transparency, technology adoption, and the art of balancing growth with client care, Townsend’s insights underscore the importance of ethics-driven business models that keep clients’ best interests front and center.

In the modern professional landscape—particularly within financial services—ensuring efficiency, compliance, and a strong commitment to client welfare has become more complex than ever. Regulatory standards, data security risks, and the need for impeccable client experiences have converged, prompting firms to refine their internal processes. One area where this refinement has come into sharp focus is the need for secure, ethically sound, and user-friendly solutions for obtaining client signatures and verifying their identities.

In an industry that is constantly evolving, the pursuit of professionalism and ethical conduct has never been more central to the role of a financial advisor. The financial services landscape can be a complex environment, with changing regulations, the rise of technology, and an increasingly discerning public seeking out expert guidance for their financial security. But amid this transformation lies an opportunity: to bring together the right people, processes, and philosophies that ensure both advisors and clients thrive.

Investing is at the heart of financial planning. For clients, this is often seen as the pinnacle of how an advisor adds value, standing as proof of expertise, wisdom, and guidance. But the behind-the-scenes reality for many advisors can be quite different. Beneath strategic recommendations lies the challenge of establishing a cohesive, clearly articulated investment philosophy—a set of beliefs and guiding principles that anchor how client portfolios are designed, monitored, and adjusted over time.

In today’s dynamic financial landscape, the creation and maintenance of a clear, consistent investment philosophy is a cornerstone of professional financial advice. An investment philosophy not only underpins portfolio construction and ongoing management, it also provides transparency and clarity for clients—particularly during periods of heightened market volatility. Beyond the technical facets, there is a vital ethical dimension: advisors must ensure that the portfolios they recommend truly reflect clients’ needs, values, and risk tolerances.

In the modern world of financial advice, where markets shift at dizzying speeds and clients often come armed with the latest headlines (or rumors) about where to invest next, establishing and adhering to a clear, principled investment philosophy is more important than ever. In many respects, it underpins everything financial advisors do. From the caliber of conversations with clients, to the business processes that shape day-to-day operations, a robust investment philosophy can make the difference between a practice that merely survives and one that thrives.

Financial planning is an ever-evolving profession. It’s marked by regulatory changes, shifts in global markets, and changing client demographics. Yet through all these changes, one foundational element remains constant: the need for a steadfast commitment to professionalism and ethics. In this article—based on a podcast conversation with David Gibson, a Director and long-standing figure at Priority Advisory Group—we explore how one advisory business has navigated succession planning, corporate partnerships, and the changing face of financial advice to deliver enduring value for clients.

In an era where quality financial advice demands efficiency, accuracy, and, above all, client trust, the role of integrated technological solutions has become indispensable. Not only must advisory firms adapt to evolving regulatory, market, and legislative shifts, but they must also maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in handling client data and personal finances. Financial services is a relationship-driven industry, where success hinges on deep trust between advisors and clients. Technology can strengthen that trust if used appropriately—but it must be chosen and deployed with a clear commitment to privacy, cybersecurity, and industry best practices.

In the constantly shifting landscape of financial services, professionals across the globe wrestle with the dual challenge of meeting clients’ ever-changing needs while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. From rising regulatory burdens to questions about trust and long-term sustainability, the sector has become a microcosm of wider socio-economic shifts. In this article—synthesized from a conversation with industry expert Andrew Inwood of CoreData—we explore the current state of financial advice, how evolving demographics are reshaping needs, and how trust, professionalism, and ethical conduct can pave the way for a stronger, more consumer-centric future.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a defining topic in finance over the last few years. Conferences, industry reports, and company presentations abound with discussions of how AI might transform everything from portfolio construction to client servicing. As adoption accelerates, so too do questions about the ethical and professional implications of relying on AI for key decisions.

In the evolving world of financial advice, staying informed about the latest regulations, processes, and technologies is vital for upholding professionalism and ethics. As the complexity of client needs grows and legislation demands more robust compliance measures, many financial advisors have sought efficient, effective solutions to ensure their services remain highly professional, secure, and transparent. In August 2024, Patrick Gardner, Head of Technology at a prominent professional services firm, spoke with industry veteran and software co-founder Hans Egger about these very challenges. Their conversation illuminates how an advice technology platform—specifically AstuteWheel—supports the ideals of professionalism and ethics through meaningful client engagement, secure data handling, and streamlined process management.

Stepping into the world of self-employment is always a brave decision, even more so when you have a young family to care for and a longstanding career within larger organizations. In a recent conversation on the podcast hosted by James Wrigley, financial planner and entrepreneur Jayde (“Jay”) Jenkins shared her journey into launching her own advisory firm, Bloom Financial Planning. Although Jay found herself in this new venture somewhat unexpectedly—she jokes she was “a sucker for punishment”—she has since embraced the challenges and successes that come with running a business. Over the course of their discussion, James and Jay revealed insights into the practicalities of setting up a financial planning operation, juggling professional ambitions with parental responsibilities, and most importantly, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in their work.

In an era defined by rapid technological change and evolving client expectations, financial advisors must increasingly rely on sophisticated digital tools to deliver advice efficiently and ethically. Gone are the days when advisors could rely solely on face-to-face meetings and paper-based information packs to engage with their clients. Today, younger generations expect instant updates, mobile applications, and seamless portals, while older or less tech-savvy clients may prefer face-to-face touchpoints but still benefit from digital resources. Meanwhile, global developments—from the United States to the United Kingdom—offer new perspectives on regulatory standards, client portals, and data integration.

In today’s rapidly evolving financial services environment, it is no secret that operational excellence underpins a successful advisory practice. Although many advice businesses place heavy emphasis on client-facing roles—primarily on financial advisors themselves—there is growing recognition of the criticality of the “engine room.” This engine room comprises operations personnel, administrative staff, paraplanners, and other support functions who work relentlessly to ensure the smooth delivery of quality advice.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around for decades, but its recent explosive developments—particularly in generative AI—have shifted it firmly into the spotlight. From machine learning and predictive analytics to sophisticated large language models that can respond almost like a human expert, AI promises enormous benefits for many industries, including financial advice. However, for busy financial advisors already juggling complex compliance requirements, regulation, and evolving client expectations, AI can feel simultaneously exciting and daunting. Questions about how best to integrate AI ethically, securely, and profitably abound.

In the rapidly evolving world of financial advice, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) promise opportunities to improve efficiency, bolster client relationships, and enable advice practices to scale responsibly. However, adopting these tools brings new questions about ethics, data integrity, and how to preserve genuine human connections. In this article, we explore how professionals can navigate the introduction of advanced technologies—particularly AI—in a way that protects client interests, upholds professional standards, and empowers the entire team.

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial advice, there is growing urgency to streamline processes, elevate service standards, and deliver meaningful advice in an ethical, client-centered way. It is a constant balancing act between compliance, profitability, and offering a human touch—one that requires ongoing reflection and a willingness to embrace transformative change. Recently on The Engine Room podcast, host Andrew ‘Roxy’ Rocks and collaborator Sue Viskovic, Founder and Managing Director of Elixir Consulting, explored three financial advisory practices that embody this delicate balance. Those practices—led by Amy Baker (of Rekap Advice), Sam Perera (of Perera Crowther Financial Services), and Jonathan Elliot (of Collins SBA)—each offer unique insights into the power of innovation, business-minded strategy, and ethical decision-making.

In the contemporary wealth management landscape, the demand for streamlined, transparent, and ethically grounded financial advice has never been greater. This urgency is the product of many converging forces—rising client expectations, increased regulatory scrutiny, and the complex interplay of technology solutions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the friction that arises when financial advice practices need to pass data to product providers, institutions, and other external entities. This challenge is significant: as practices strive to deliver high-quality advice more efficiently, they confront the bottleneck of duplicated data entry, potential errors, and delays across multiple platforms.

In the dynamic world of financial advice, where trust, technical expertise, and empathy converge, creating a thriving practice requires both vision and a solid ethical foundation. In 2023, four well-established Australian financial advisory firms—Advice Wise, Insight Private Wealth, Sovereign Wealth Partners, and Randall Advisory—joined forces in a landmark merger, unveiling a new entity known as Essentia Wealth. The story of how these firms came together speaks to the importance of genuine collaboration, professional development, and a deep commitment to client well-being.

Professionalism and ethics form the bedrock of effective financial advising. When markets are volatile—particularly in emerging or frontier economies—clients look to advisors for steady guidance, scrupulous due diligence, and a steadfast commitment to their best interests. This article distills insights from a recent podcast discussion featuring Joseph Lai (Principal and Portfolio Manager of Ox Capital Management) and Bryce Anderson (Portfolio Manager at Morningstar), moderated by James Whelan (Managing Director at Barclay Pearce Capital’s Wealth Management Team). While the dialogue ranged from macroeconomic trends to valuation methods, it also highlighted the ethical imperatives that financial professionals face when recommending investments.

In today’s rapidly changing financial services environment, many professionals strive to balance the demands of robust regulatory frameworks, complex client needs, and competitive market forces. Nowhere is this more evident than in smaller advisory firms, where practitioners often wear multiple hats to ensure each client receives personalized and ethically sound advice. This article explores the insights shared by James Wrigley and Matt Lancashire—two financial professionals discussing their day-to-day work and ongoing development at Cargill Financial. Their candid conversation sheds light on issues including business structure, workflow management, technology adoption, compliance obligations, and the enduring importance of professionalism and ethics in guiding financial advice.

In the contemporary financial-services environment—encompassing financial planning, accounting, wealth management, and more—the role of robust technology has never been more central. Chief among these technological tools is the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. As professional obligations and client expectations continue to intensify, advisors and firms are increasingly turning to CRMs that do more than merely store contact details. They are seeking integrated, enterprise-grade solutions that can unify data, streamline operations, meet compliance requirements, and deliver a superior client experience.

In the world of professional services, few models embody synergy, client-centricity, and intergenerational legacy as effectively as a multi-discipline financial practice. When family ties, ethical principles, and client outcomes converge, the result can be a firm that stands the test of time while continually evolving to meet emerging challenges. This article profiles the journey of one such practice—helmed by Managing Director Jake Reus—shedding light on how it blends accounting, financial planning, mortgage broking, and business advisory services. Over thirty years, the practice has grown from a one-person operation to a substantial entity, reflecting its guiding values of professionalism, community-mindedness, and unwavering dedication to serving clients’ best interests.

Financial planning is more than just spreadsheets and calculations. It is about helping people make informed decisions and improve their lives—often in deeply meaningful ways. This principle underpins Paul Benson’s work and philosophy. Over the past two decades, he has guided clients through enormous shifts in Australia’s financial landscape. From acquiring an established business just before the global financial crisis, to harnessing the power of digital media, to living and working remotely in another country while serving Australian clients, Paul’s journey reflects a consistent commitment to professional conduct, ethical decision-making, and client empowerment.

In the modern professional services environment, maintaining ethical standards and delivering exceptional client experiences are paramount. From financial advisers and accountants to lawyers and insurance brokers, practitioners in all corners of the industry grapple with a rapidly evolving regulatory and technological landscape. Matters of privacy, security, regulatory compliance, and the ongoing pursuit of client satisfaction have rarely been more significant. As the world grows increasingly digital, industry professionals must balance operational efficiency with ethical conduct in all client interactions.

In a rapidly changing financial landscape, mid-tier advisory practices often find themselves in a unique position. They are neither so large as to be impersonal nor so small as to lack resources. Instead, these practices sit at a sweet spot: big enough to offer the full range of professional support services but small enough to foster individual client relationships. One such practice is Jacaranda Financial Planning—featured in a recent conversation between host Andrew “Roxy” Rocks, advisor Joel Harty, and operations leader Paulina Roncevic.

Starting one’s own financial advice business can be both thrilling and intimidating. It requires dedication, thorough attention to regulatory details, an unwavering commitment to clients, and a willingness to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards. In today’s environment—marked by evolving regulations, rising consumer expectations, and a greater emphasis on transparency—financial advisers seeking to launch and grow their practices must strike a careful balance between serving clients’ interests and operating a viable enterprise.

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, professionals and organizations alike are constantly seeking tools to help them remain both compliant and effective in their day-to-day operations. An essential element in this pursuit is maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethics. This article explores how spend-management technology—using the example of the platform “Weel”—is transforming the way businesses handle expenses, reimbursements, and corporate cards. It also highlights the broader ethical and professional considerations surrounding financial advice, data handling, and client interactions.

Compliance in financial services has never been more vital—or more complex. Changing regulations, administrative burdens, and heightened client expectations have reshaped the way Australian Financial Services Licensees (AFSLs) must operate. Amid all this, businesses continue to seek ways to uphold ethical standards and professional conduct while also managing commercial needs.

In the modern era of financial services, marketing is more than a business function; it is a bridge connecting advisors and clients. In a profession so steeped in compliance, fiduciary duty, and public trust, how can advisors, accountants, and mortgage brokers alike use marketing ethically and effectively? The following article draws on a conversation between host Patrick Gardner—Head of Technology at the professional services firm Collins SBA—and Clare Murphy, Director of the outsourced marketing firm Advant. Their insights provide a roadmap for how to craft meaningful, compliant, and engaging content. This article also highlights the professional and ethical considerations advisors should keep in mind when shaping their marketing strategies.

Financial planning is far more than calculations, compliance, and market projections. At its best, it is about forging relationships built on trust, supporting clients at critical junctures in their lives, and upholding the highest professional and ethical standards. Few practitioners embody these principles more deeply than the team at Goldsboro Financial Services in South Australia. In this article, drawn from a conversation hosted by Andrew “Rocks” with guest Brenton Miegel, we explore how one firm has navigated over two decades of industry change—embracing new fee models, scaling the business responsibly, and prioritizing a culture where clients and staff alike can flourish.

The world of finance has changed dramatically over the last few decades, and so has the array of investment opportunities available to professional advisors and their clients. While the traditional blend of equities, bonds, and cash has long been considered sufficient for a “balanced” portfolio, recent market developments and a new macroeconomic environment have shifted the spotlight toward alternative investments. Within this broad category—often referred to simply as “alts”—private market investments have found a steady foothold, migrating from niche territory to mainstream acceptance among sophisticated and everyday investors alike.

In the ever-evolving world of financial planning, professionals strive to balance technical expertise with genuine human connection. It is a field where actuarial arithmetic meets the emotional realities of retirement, estate transitions, and the long-term care of clients who often come to feel like family. In a recent conversation, host James Wrigley spoke with Paul Brown—owner and operator of Wealth21—to explore the underpinnings of a successful advisory practice that has stood the test of time. Their discussion ranged across topics such as building lasting client relationships, integrating technology into everyday operations, and developing a succession plan based on ethics and human-centered values. It is a narrative that illuminates how a combination of professionalism, devotion to ethical standards, and authentic empathy can help sustain and grow a financial advice business for more than two decades.

Tucked under the iconic Story Bridge in Brisbane, a meeting took place that encapsulates the spirit of modern financial advice: a conversation about ethics, empathy, and business strategy. In this setting, host Andrew “Roxy” Rocks sat down with Angus “Gus” Cooper, founder of Accrue Wealth, to explore Angus’s path from unfulfilled accountant to dynamic financial planner, business owner, husband, and father. The result is a tapestry of professional insights, family ties, and broad reflections on what it means to build a business that genuinely cares for clients—and for the people who work within it.

In an ever-evolving financial landscape, it can be daunting for individuals to piece together the components of their financial life. Many people struggle with where to start, which goals to prioritize, and how to reconcile limited budgets with the rising costs of professional advice. At the same time, ethical and professional standards in financial services grow more rigorous every year, making it imperative for professionals to craft services that are accessible, transparent, and truly beneficial to the client.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become one of the most discussed and debated topics in modern investing. Whether through powerful language models, data-driven analytics, or new forms of automation, AI technologies are reshaping traditional frameworks and influencing how advisors, portfolio managers, and individual investors approach the market. But amid the excitement, there are also real concerns regarding valuation, market concentration, investor responsibility, and ethical considerations. This article aims to explore these aspects in depth, drawing from insights shared in a recent conversation with Sam Ruiz, Portfolio Specialist at T. Rowe Price, and financial commentator James Whelan.

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, staying informed about global economic developments and the ethical considerations that underpin them is not merely advantageous—it is essential. Whether one is an independent investor, a financial advisor, or a fund manager, a professional and ethical approach can guide decision-making, build trust, and foster long-term success. Such matters were central to a recent in-depth conversation with James Whelan, Managing Director of the Barclay Pearce Capital Wealth Management team, and his guest, Associate Portfolio Manager Iona Dent from T. Rowe Price’s Global Growth Equity Strategy. Below is an in-depth article inspired by that conversation. It covers new trends in artificial intelligence (AI), the implications of shifting monetary policy, and the potential of key emerging and frontier markets—all through the lens of professionalism and ethical investing.

Financial planning has always been an evolving field—changing consumer needs, shifting regulations, and technological advancements continually shape how advice is delivered. In this landscape, the concept of professionalism and ethics remains front and center, especially as advisors strive to meet higher standards of transparency, knowledge, and client care. To explore these dimensions in depth, host James Wrigley recently sat down with Fox & Hare’s financial adviser, Shannon Freney, for a lively conversation about remote work, team culture, client engagement, and the importance of ethical conduct in a modern advisory firm. Their discussion offers insights into how financial advice can be both progressive and responsibly delivered.

In the fast-evolving landscape of financial services, professionals seek new tools to enhance client experiences, reduce administrative burdens, and uphold rigorous compliance standards. One increasingly powerful set of technologies—automation and artificial intelligence (AI)—promises exactly these benefits. Yet as exciting as these developments can be, the ethical and professional dimensions must remain central. This article explores how AI-driven meeting note automation, workflow integration, and advanced data processes can transform financial advisory practices, all while maintaining the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and client protection.

Financial advice is most often framed in numbers—how much to invest, how best to optimize tax strategies, or how to allocate assets for retirement. Yet beneath the spreadsheets and charts lies a hidden layer of personal beliefs, emotions, and lived experiences that govern how individuals handle money. In many cases, traditional advice focused solely on logical and external strategies may fail to generate lasting change or client satisfaction if these deeper psychological elements remain unaddressed.

In the dynamic landscape of financial services, trust is paramount. The evolution of regulations, technology, and client expectations all converge to make professionalism and ethics the cornerstone of any successful advisory practice. This article delves into one such model of success: The Grimsey Group. Drawing from a candid conversation between host Andrew (“Roxy”) Rocks and Daniel Harris, Associate Director and Head of Advice in Victoria at the Grimsey Group, this piece explores the firm’s journey, ethos, and the importance of a principled approach in serving clients—particularly those in the medical profession.

In an era when financial planning can feel both daunting and overwhelming, technology is evolving to bridge the gap between individuals’ aspirations and the sophisticated modeling required to manage money effectively. Many people—particularly those in their 20s and 30s—feel they have no clear roadmap on how to handle personal finances responsibly, ethically, and with a plan that adjusts as life inevitably changes. At the same time, the cost and complexity of traditional financial advice in many markets can be prohibitive for younger or less affluent demographics.

Professionalism and ethics are the bedrock of the financial services industry. Clients entrust advisors with their most valuable resources: their money, their aspirations, and their sense of security. Over time, technology has played a pivotal role in shaping and reshaping how financial advisors serve clients. However, integrating cutting-edge tools can pose significant challenges, from data security to regulatory compliance. These considerations become all the more pressing with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in client engagement, investment management, and overall practice operations.

In today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, advisors grapple with balancing a rapidly changing market backdrop, clients’ best interests, and the pursuit of consistent performance. This article synthesizes a conversation hosted by James Whelan (Managing Director, Barclay Pearce Capital’s Wealth Management Team) with guests Thomas Taw (Head of the APAC Investment Strategy Team) and James Waterworth (Head of Intermediary Relationships) on the Ensemble platform. From the role of central banks to emerging market opportunities—and from geopolitical risks to the looming U.S. presidential election—this piece provides a high-level overview of where markets may be headed and how advisors might think about their roles and responsibilities with the utmost professionalism and ethics.

Financial advice often centers on numbers, spreadsheets, and returns on investment. Yet, at its core, it is about helping people lead fulfilling lives, harnessing the potential of their financial resources for security and growth, all while adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards. In this article—adapted from a podcast discussion between host James Wrigley and seasoned financial advisor Fran Hughes—we explore the evolving nature of financial advice, the concept of mini-retirements, and the essential role that professionalism and ethics play in guiding clients through their life journeys.

In the world of financial advice, there are countless stories of practitioners who begin in humble circumstances, only to rise through the ranks and make a name for themselves. Few, however, illustrate the power of combining ethics, relationship-building, and genuine care for clients more vividly than the career journey of Charles “Charlie” Viola. From a modest upbringing in semi-rural Camden—once on Sydney’s fringe—to founding his own private wealth firm, Viola Private Wealth, his story exemplifies how building trust, providing meaningful client outcomes, and embracing the right team can result in a thriving practice and a lasting legacy.

It can be easy to overlook the complexities of rural wealth management—particularly the intricacies that arise when farming families seek to safeguard their financial futures. Often, those in agriculture have accumulated extensive assets, not just in dollar value but in the form of farmland that spans generations. Their concerns go beyond market returns: they involve legacy, tradition, community, environmental stewardship, and family cohesion.

Financial advisory services in Australia have undergone dramatic transformation over the past two decades. In the aftermath of legislative reforms, the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, and a re-evaluation of educational standards, much of the industry’s focus has shifted from product-based selling to client-centric advice. This evolution hinges on strong ethical frameworks and professional conduct. John Cachia, Founder and Director of Thriving Wealth, has traversed this landscape firsthand. Through his journey from an inquisitive 14-year-old removing staples in his cousin’s office to orchestrating a fully functional, team-based financial advisory business, Cachia’s story provides an inspiring case study on how professionalism, ethics, and genuine care for clients can form the cornerstone of a thriving practice.

Cybersecurity has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. As organizations grapple with increasingly sophisticated threats in both the public and private spheres, professionals must combine technical knowledge with ethical responsibility. Fostering a culture of trust, competence, and social responsibility is paramount—not only for safeguarding client data but also for ensuring that broader communities, customers, and stakeholders remain well-protected.

In recent years, the financial advice community has come to recognize an area of risk that is both omnipresent and often underestimated: the real costs—financial, emotional, and social—of experiencing a major health event. “Cost of Care,” a research initiative undertaken by Zurich in Australia, attempts to quantify, explain, and contextualize the wide-ranging impact that health issues such as cancers, heart attacks, strokes, and other serious illnesses can have on individuals, their families, and their broader support networks. Over two major editions (released in 2018 and again in 2024), Zurich’s work has addressed both the probability of encountering a health event and the associated lifetime and out-of-pocket expenses that can arise.

Technological evolution continues to reshape industries across the globe, challenging business leaders to integrate new tools ethically and effectively. Among these evolving technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out for its potential to enhance client experiences, streamline operations, and drive innovation. Yet, the introduction of AI and automation into a professional services environment—particularly in industries where trust, compliance, and ethics are paramount—requires a deliberate approach. In a recent conversation featuring host Patrick Gardner and guest Aaron Breed, we gained valuable insights into how organizations can successfully adopt AI, manage change, and maintain rigorous standards of professionalism and ethics throughout the process.

Financial advisory services have traditionally leaned on paper-based workflows and legacy presentation software to craft proposals, statements of advice, and a wide range of client-facing materials. In a sector that continually juggles regulatory duties, client relationship management, and the quest to remain competitively differentiated, adopting effective technology is no longer optional; it has become a prerequisite for survival. However, the rapid pace of innovation brings new challenges and ethical responsibilities. How can advisors reconcile these leaps forward with unwavering professionalism and compliance obligations?

In an era where technology has quickly evolved from bulky machines to sleek smartphones and cloud-based platforms, professionals in law, finance, and related fields are grappling with both profound opportunities and ethical obligations. The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), military-grade encryption, and secure data management systems reflects just how dependent our personal and professional lives have become on digital tools. Yet, the complexity of these tools can threaten to overshadow a crucial element: the human side of estate planning, legacy, and succession.

In the bustling heart of Melbourne’s CBD stands the head office of Rising Tide, a financial planning practice that mirrors the city’s dynamic spirit. Rising Tide’s name, however, says much more than mere location or marketing. It signals an entire philosophy: the belief that clients, staff, and stakeholders can all benefit when the tide of financial literacy and ethical advice lifts everyone. At the helm of Rising Tide is Matt Hale—a dedicated leader whose personal story, career journey, and unwavering commitment to professionalism and ethics underscore every decision he makes.

In the realm of financial services, the quest to serve clients’ best interests is never static. Advisors, portfolio managers, and researchers alike face ever-shifting economic landscapes, evolving regulations, and the ever-present requirement to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. This article, drawn from a recent Ensemble Investment Podcast discussion featuring host James Whelan (Managing Director at Bucephalus Capital’s Wealth Management Team) and guests Christian Guerra (Head of Research at First Sentier Investors) and Lochlan Holloway (Equity Market Strategist at Morningstar), explores the intricacies of the Australian market. We will discuss the major themes that impact investment decisions, such as valuations, inflation, resources, technology, and ethical considerations for professionals who advise on and manage client portfolios.

The world of financial advice is changing at a rapid pace. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and new platforms designed to streamline professional advice, practitioners are continually seeking ways to enhance not just how they prepare advice, but how they present it to clients. On the Ensemble Podcast, host Patrick Gardner recently sat down with guests from Finura Group—namely, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Aron Satchell and Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder Dipal (Dipal) Khatri—to discuss a new solution called “Advice Designer.” This innovative product aims to address the complexities of preparing, delivering, and maintaining Statements of Advice (SOAs) in an industry that values both efficiency and adherence to high professional and ethical standards.

When one hears about a professional in financial services, it is easy to assume the path that led them there was a neatly planned sequence of university, entry-level positions, and gradual ascent. Yet for Adam Morse—Managing Director and Co-Founder of Quarter 5 Family Wealth—his path was distinguished by a rare and clear vision at the age of sixteen. From those early stirrings of interest in helping people achieve financial wellbeing, Morse dedicated himself to continuous study, professional resilience, and the pursuit of ethical, client-centric advice.

In the ever-changing world of finance, one of the perennial questions for advisors is how best to balance the varied interests of their clients with the opportunities and risks posed by different asset classes. Australian small-cap equities represent one such opportunity. They appear appealing because of their growth potential, intriguing sector diversity, and the possibility of uncovering the next market leader before it becomes a household name. Yet in advising clients on small-cap investment, financial professionals face a dual challenge: they must remain mindful of the macroeconomic forces at play and keep a close eye on corporate fundamentals—all the while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial services has leapt from a distant possibility to an immediate reality in just a few short years. Once relegated to theoretical discussions and lab experiments, AI tools have quickly found footholds in everyday tasks, especially in highly regulated and data-intensive fields such as wealth management and financial planning. As the technology evolves, professionals in this industry are grappling with how AI might reduce manual workload, improve client outcomes, and close persistent service gaps. But as with any transformation in a critical field—particularly one that deals intimately with people’s life savings—the need for professionalism and ethics has never been more urgent.

In recent years, the financial advice landscape in Australia has undergone rapid transformations—some necessary, some controversial, and many that have sparked ongoing debate. From the Banking Royal Commission to the introduction of new education and compliance standards, financial advisers have been compelled to adapt. The result has been a profession in flux, squeezed by intensifying compliance obligations, a dwindling adviser population, and a growing demand for quality advice. In the midst of this turbulence, a spotlight has landed on a recently introduced private member’s bill that aims to modernize the statement of advice process and, in a broader sense, enhance the professional and ethical standing of the financial advice profession.

In the world of financial advice, small-town advisors can sometimes be overlooked in favor of larger city-based firms. However, the story of Rob Goudie, Managing Director and Adviser at Consortium Private Wealth in Horsham, Victoria, illustrates how an ethical, client-centered, and innovative approach can help a regionally based practice thrive—no matter where its people or clients are located. In a recent conversation with podcast host James Wrigley, Goudie offered insights into his journey from a 25-year-old newcomer to a seasoned advisor running a five-advisor practice with global reach. Below is an in-depth exploration of the key themes from their discussion—especially the critical roles that professionalism and ethics play in financial advice.

Professionalism and ethics in financial advice go far beyond a polished veneer and the requisite technical knowledge. They manifest in the way an advice practice is structured, how advisors devote their time, and the manner in which teams collaborate to serve clients’ best interests. In a recent conversation between podcast host James Wrigley and Dean Holmes—co-founder of several wealth-related businesses, including Absolute Wealth Advisors and The Wealth Network—a wealth of insights emerged on how efficiency, capacity, and technology can transform financial advice into a truly professional and ethical service.
Below is an exploration of those ideas, focusing on the core theme that time spent with clients is precious, and that proper structuring of roles, delegation, and ethical alignment are essential for both the success of an advice business and the well-being of the clients it serves.

Transferring pension benefits from the United Kingdom to Australia involves a complex interplay of taxation, regulation, and personal considerations. It is a niche area of financial planning that demands careful analysis of legislative frameworks in two distinct jurisdictions, strict adherence to professional standards, and a deeply ethical approach to client welfare.
In a recent conversation on the podcast hosted by James Wrigley, financial adviser Paul Nevin—often known by his memorable tagline, “The UK Pensions Guy”—shared his insights into the intricacies of this process. Nevin heads a firm specializing in both UK- and Australia-regulated advice, offering a service that spans from preliminary conversations through to implementing final transfers. Throughout the discussion, he underscored not only the importance of a well-structured approach to cross-border pension advice but also the fundamental need for professionalism and ethics at every stage of the client journey.

In a fast-evolving financial landscape, one of the clearest themes emerging in recent years has been the vital importance of trust, professional ethics, and strategic thinking. Financial advisers are no longer mere brokers of products; increasingly, they serve as comprehensive, long-term partners who strive to provide clarity, structure, and genuine peace of mind to clients. Among this new generation of financial planning firms stands ASO Wealth—founded by long-time friends and colleagues, Naz (Nazarii) Pochynok and Julien (Jules) Renard. While relatively new, ASO Wealth is built on a sturdy foundation of professionalism and client-centric values.

The financial advice landscape in Australia has experienced significant evolution over the last several decades. Increasing regulation, heightened compliance obligations, and a greater emphasis on education and credentials have raised the bar for delivering high-quality advice. At the same time, sweeping technological changes have brought sophisticated tools and best-practice processes within reach of advice firms large and small.
For Toomeys—a regional accounting and financial planning firm with roots dating back more than seventy-five years—this changing environment offers both opportunity and responsibility. Adapting to modern client expectations, preserving legacy relationships in rural communities, and ensuring the highest professional and ethical standards have become central to Toomeys’ strategic focus.

One of the more notable trends within financial advice over the last decade – and the last five years in particular – has been the growing adviser usage of managed accounts.

Arguably the primary driver of this exceptional growth has been their potential to deliver operational efficiencies and superior client investment outcomes.

Another likely factor in this growth is the increasing role played by investment consultants within the retail advice sector, emblematic of a trend towards increased outsourcing of investment capabilities, by advisers eager to spend more time building client relationships, and less time monitoring markets and picking stocks.

The options available to advisers seeking to outsource aspects of their investment proposition continue to proliferate and benefit from ongoing innovation. With new solutions becoming available almost on a daily basis, both existing and potential users of managed accounts are almost overwhelmed by choice.

If we think in terms of a collective ‘investment outsourcing’ space, then it is one that is undoubtedly burgeoning, and this paper sets out to provide advisers with a framework for choice within this space.

Drawing on insights from advisers and investment consultants, its role is to provide advisers with a list of considerations and criteria that can link choices around products, platforms, and professional help, back to business fundamentals, including investment philosophy, target audience, practice size, and client value proposition.

In recent years, life insurance, or risk, advice has undergone more change than almost any other aspect of advice.

The compounding impacts of changes driven by the Life Insurance Framework (LIF) and Hayne Royal Commission have seen a disproportionately large drop in the number of advisers actively recommending risk.

While the Australian Government accepted the QAR recommendation for commissions to continue to support consumer access to life insurance advice, advisers report that the current LIF caps on commissions remain a barrier to some advisers re-entering this space.

While it is increasingly clear that this level of commission challenges the viability of many traditional risk advice models, a cohort of forward-thinking advisers are taking a fresh perspective, finding innovative new ways to incorporate risk into their advice proposition in ways that are professionally and economically sustainable.

There are many different pathways to a sustainable future for risk advice, and in this paper, we draw on the insights, experience, and wisdom of five advisers and industry experts, with the aim of encouraging and guiding others who believe that protecting one’s wealth is every bit as important as growing it.

Impact investing is a rapidly growing investment sector.

Estimated in 2022 by the Global Impact Investment Network (GIIN) to already be worth over $1 trillion USD1, and predicted to grow by as much as 9.5% per annum over the next decade2, impact investing has become well and truly mainstream, and as a topic now features more prominently in both media coverage, and in client conversations.

But notwithstanding this stellar growth trajectory, and the undoubted increased community consciousness of environmental and social issues, impact investing remains widely misunderstood. Often assumed to be the same as ESG integration and responsible investing – the reputations of which have been somewhat tarnished in recent times due to concerns about politicisation, greenwashing, and subdued performance – impact investing is in fact its own distinct category of investment.

Characterised by a more robust focus on measurability than other categories under the ESG banner, and subject to financial assessment criteria every bit as stringent and comprehensive as traditional investments, impact investing arguably solves for many of the concerns surrounding ESG investing generally.

Impact investing is underpinned by the intention to generate positive environmental or social impact, alongside a financial return. Within this context, leading impact managers are focused on finding companies and opportunities that truly represent best in class solutions to challenges across areas including healthcare, education, sustainable cities, financial inclusion, and of course clean energy. So rich is the variety of investable impact opportunities, almost every client can be catered for.

But first, it is clear that adviser perspectives on Impact Investing need to be reset.

There remains a hesitancy on the part of some advisers to engage clients on the topic of impact and responsible investing more broadly. Much of this hesitancy – about performance, about compliance, about sensitive conversations – can be put down to false perceptions about client sensitivities, performance, and client risks. As this paper demonstrates, the unique characteristics of impact investing arguably solves for many of these concerns.

This paper is a companion piece to the Ensombl/T. Rowe Price podcast series on Impact Investing. Drawing on frontline insights from 5 Australian advisers operating in the impact space, we hope to reframe the understanding of, and attitudes towards impact investing, with the aim of giving advisers the tools and the confidence to make impact a key part of their offering.

Following the overall shape of the podcast series, this paper will aim to reset adviser understanding across 7 key misperceptions:

• Impact and Responsible investing are the same
• Impact investing requires the client to accept lower returns
• Impact investing lacks transparency
• Impact investing is all about the environment and climate change
• Sensitivities around personal values make for awkward client conversations
• Limited impact options hamper portfolio construction
• Impact investing carries a high risk of greenwashing

Now more than ever, successful investing is challenging. Investors are constantly required to make high stakes decisions on the basis of increasing amounts of complex, and sometimes conflicting data and signals. Gathering, processing, then distilling all this data to allow timely, accurate decision making can be hard enough for professional investors, let alone individual ‘mums and dads’.

As with all aspects of our lives, when faced with information overload, we rely on mental shortcuts – biases – to help us stay on top of all the decisions we must make each day. But when these biases come into play with our investment decision making, the results can be bad behaviours, and outcomes that have a lasting impact on our financial wellbeing.

The Ensombl Podcast series ‘Behavioural Investing’, addressed this very topic, and concluded that, by grounding investment goals in a client’s personal values, better aligning individual goals with variable and evolving risk tolerances, and constructing differentiated portfolios to reflect these goals and risk tolerances, advisors can create more client ownership and understanding of the investment strategy used for each goal, thereby avoiding surprises, and minimising the likelihood of value destructive behaviour.

Produced as a companion to the Behavioural Investing series, this paper explores the outcomes of the poor investment behaviour that our biases can drive, and examines the ways advisors can better connect values, goals, and risk, to drive better advice outcomes.

ASIC actively scopes and monitors the shifting regulatory environment in which it operates. This informs ASIC’s ability to identify and assess the issues facing Australia’s financial system.

Under section 45 of the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 (Code Determination), you must advise all current and prospective clients of the following information: 

One of the registration requirements for a company or partnership entity to become a tax or BAS agent is to satisfy the ‘sufficient number’ requirement. This means your entity must have an adequate number of registered individual tax or BAS agents to:

provide tax agent or BAS services to a competent standard, and
carry out supervisory arrangements on behalf of the entity.
This is also an ongoing registration requirement.

Under section 30 of the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 (Code Determination), you must keep records that correctly record the tax agent or BAS services you have provided, or that are provided on your behalf, to each of your clients (including former clients).

Sections 20 and 25 of the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 (Determination) require you to:

manage any conflicts of interest when undertaking activities for an Australian government agency (section 20)

maintain confidentiality in dealings with Australian government agencies (section 25).

Under section 15 of the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 (Code Determination), you must not make, prepare, or direct someone else to make or prepare a statement that you know, or ought reasonably to know, is false or misleading in a material particular (including by omission).

The US equity rally so far shows no signs of slowing down, and in the wake of the US election results the S&P 500 has been sent to new highs. Despite valuations nearing record territory, many investors are still confident market outperformance could continue into the new year. So where do the opportunities lie for those still keen to tap into the world’s biggest economy?

Investing is not just about numbers; it’s about people. The decisions investors make are often influenced by emotional and cognitive biases, which can significantly impact financial outcomes. From the fear of loss to the allure of short-term gains, these biases create obstacles that hinder investors from achieving their long-term goals. Goals-based investing offers a practical approach to working with, rather than against, these behavioural tendencies.

With the US election result having provided some welcome clarity to markets, focus now shifts to the broader macro environment as we head into 2025. Can the Fed continue cutting rates, and where will the opportunities come from as earnings broaden out from US large-caps? At BlackRock, we see some key themes driving market activity in the months to come.

Most successful journeys start with a plan. A journey to digital maturity is no different, it needs a well-defined plan that is based on sound judgement and feedback. Using insights from Netwealth’s 2024 AdviceTech research, we provide some tips to help create a great plan.

Digital transformation is a challenge for many advice firms, but some businesses do it better. Based on Netwealth’s 2024 AdviceTech research, we look at the attributes of leadership and culture that impact a firm’s digital maturity.

Three basic ingredients will help make you a successful investor: a defined strategy, discipline and time. That sounds very straightforward, but like many activities, putting the theory into practice is much easier said than done.

Humans haven’t evolved into great investors. We generally follow the crowd and naturally avoid risk, which is less likely to lead to outperformance.

Why is this? Historically, it’s always been risky to be the person out on your own. In prehistoric times, for example, everyone slept together in a cave. If one caveman decided to spend a night under the stars instead, the chances are he wouldn’t be coming back in the morning – easy pickings for a sabre-toothed tiger.

Our evolutionary bias is to follow the wisdom of the crowd, escape from danger and avoid discomfort. That’s what has kept us alive, but these tendencies aren’t beneficial when investing and potentially have serious consequences. The tendency to do what other investors are doing leads to buying the same well-liked securities as others, with a ‘great story’ attached, and that have performed well recently. Humans feel comfortable holding those securities, but the downside is that when comfort bias is driving decision making, investors could overpay for the asset.

At its worst, market bubbles form, where later participants significantly overpay for assets and are the biggest losers when the bubble bursts and stocks come crashing down.

Buying and selling at the right price is paramount to investing success. Morningstar’s ‘Mind the Gap 2024’ report1 shows that most investors consistently get this wrong. The Report’s findings include that fund investors earned a 6.3% per year dollar-weighted return over the 10 years until December 31 2023, while their fund holdings earned about 7.3% per year, and that these results aren’t an anomaly, they are broadly in line with the gaps measured over the four previous rolling 10-year periods in prior Morningstar studies.

The Report’s findings also include that the 1.1% annual estimated return gap stems from mistimed purchases and sales.

Investors can fall victim to buying shares that have already performed strongly (following the crowd) then panic-selling when they fall, rather than reassessing the situation. Compounded over time, investors are giving up a substantial amount of performance.

We all know that the great majority of working Australians cannot afford the increasing cost of traditional comprehensive advice.

We call that the ’advice affordability gap’ and it impacts approximately 10.4 million working Australians who have unmet advice needs. As well as these unmet needs, we know:

• The lack of affordability means that 90% of customers seeking advice are willing to pay less than $700 for advice

• The current adviser numbers do not provide adequate capacity at the right price to service these clients.

Australia has a proud history of innovation, with world-changing inventions like Wi-Fi, Cochlear implants, Google Maps, and Black Box flight recorders all brought to life by tenacious Australians who reimagined problems to create solutions.

Australia has been a fertile ground too, for notable financial market innovations, including:

• The Australian stock exchange (ASX), which has been at the forefront of market innovations, including electronic trading platforms, clearing and settlement systems, and advanced market surveillance technologies.
• The superannuation system, creating one of the largest pools of retirement savings in the world.
• And within the property sector, Australia was a pioneer in developing and adopting Mortgage-Backed Securities.
With it increasingly being the case that individuals and families on a median income are unable to afford a median priced property in major capital cities, can the innovators of Australia develop a new financing model to address the housing crisis? Have debt driven instruments, like mortgages, as standalone tools, come to the end of their useful life?

In this article we’ll look at the factors that have shaped the home buying process over the last century and examine if Shared Equity could also be the next financial innovation that could enable more of the next generation to buy a home.

Managed accounts are a popular and efficient way for advisers to offer investment solutions to their clients, thanks to their transparency, control, and cost-effective implementation.

If you’re looking to harness the benefits of managed accounts, the question is how best to implement a managed account offering in a way that aligns with your business objectives, investment philosophy, and back-office capabilities.

Managed accounts can broadly be categorised into two types: tailored and off-the-shelf. Each comes with its own set of advantages and limitations, making them suitable for different practices. Here we take a look at the pros and cons of each type to help you assess which is most suitable for your practice.

New technology has the potential to transform a financial advice business, from giving clients richer information about their goals and progress to helping the practice to lift its revenue, attract new clients and become more efficient.

In my experience though, a technology transition can also prompt feelings of fear and anxiety, particularly if advisers, practice managers and paraplanners are unsure of how the new platform will benefit them or how the switch-over will affect their work. It can also expose flaws in the practice, such as legacy problems with data. I’ve seen this on both sides, as someone who has worked within advice businesses and for technology providers over the past two decades.

With the right plan in place, these concerns can be overcome and practices can find they actually build more trust with their clients by being transparent and painting them a clear picture of how the new technology will help them. Here are five steps to take before transitioning to a new provider to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

For most of your clients the 60-90 minutes of your annual review is where they will see the value of your services for the entire year and will determine whether they want to continue their relationship with you.

The challenge for most advisers is how do you provide an annual review experience that is valuable to your client, covers your compliance requirements and is done efficiently to allow you to have a profitable business.

A simple way to have better quality review meetings is to approach it as a process. What do you want to your client experience to include and what tools do you need to achieve this?

A technology solution may provide the answer:

Top performing advice businesses have plenty in common. But there are a few things that really move the dial when it comes to lifting the profitability of your practice.

I recently caught up with Sue Viskovic, Founder of Elixir and Head of Consulting at VBP, on an Ensombl podcast. Our chat followed the release of Elixir’s inaugural 2024 Advice Operations Research Report, sponsored by Colonial First State.

During the episode we unpacked the key insights from the report, which is based on a survey of more than 720 advisers from 171 advice practices from across Australia.

The reason why this work is so important is because it is the first comprehensive study of its kind that provides rich data on the engine-room of advice businesses.

We wanted to deliver some tangible insights that all advisers can use when looking to optimise their operational efficiencies. As practices begin a new financial year, I thought it would be useful to provide a quick summary of the often-overlooked profit drivers that the research uncovered.

This article introduces the core-satellite investment approach, showing how blending passive core holdings with active satellite strategies can help clients feel confident, engaged, and aligned with long-term goals.

Accreditation Points Allocation:

0.15 Technical Competence
0.10 Client Care and Practice

James Whelan, Managing Director of Barclay Pearce Capital’s Wealth Management Team, recently hosted HOPE Housing on the Ensombl Investment Podcast to discuss key drivers of the Residential Real Estate market, and how investors can access new investment models. This article builds on that conversation and is the second of a series of two analysing the Australian residential property market and explores the investable opportunities advisers can make available to their clients.

This article outlines six key strategies for scaling a modern wealth management business—focusing on outsourcing, managed accounts, diversification, retirement solutions, technology, and a growth-oriented culture—to drive efficiency, client value, and sustainable growth.

Accreditation Points Allocation:

0.10 Technical Competence
0.05 Client Care and Practice
0.10 Professionalism and Ethics

As the name suggests, a core-satellite portfolio consists of a core where most of your clients’ investments are allocated. Around the core are various satellite investments that serve specific investment needs.

For many investors, the purpose of the portfolio core is to provide broad exposure to investment markets. For this reason, it’s typically made up of low-cost, highly diversified index funds.

The satellites provide scope to invest in select assets to support your client’s investment strategy. These could be riskier investments with the potential for higher returns than the index, or they could aim to target specific sectors, regions, or investment themes.

This article explores why Australians nearing retirement aren’t seeking financial advice, despite growing need. It reveals what clients truly value—peace of mind, trust, and ongoing support—and urges advisers to focus on purpose and communication over technical tools.

Accreditation Points Allocation:

0.10 Technical Competence
0.10 Client Care and Practice
0.05 Professionalism and Ethics