The ifa Show

In this episode of The ifa Show, hosts Keith Ford and Maja Garaca Djurdjevic are joined by Blake Briggs, chief executive of the Financial Services Council, to unpack what the federal election and new-look Treasury portfolio will mean for advisers and the broader industry. Briggs explains that Dr Daniel Mulino enters the financial services minister role with a suite of policies announced under his predecessor but not yet completed. He also stresses the importance of a deliberative approach that would allow Mulino to put his own stamp on the portfolio while continuing the reform process. Listen as they discuss: The importance of stakeholders engaging constructively with the government on financial services reform. Why the $3 million super tax remains a contentious issue and the need to re-think its design. Where the Coalition will look for economic policy in the wake of its heavy election loss.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Ben Marshan, director of Marshan Consulting, to unpack the implications of Labor's sweeping electoral victory for the financial advice sector. Marshan explains what the heavy majority means for financial legislation, including what the potential ministerial candidates could bring to the table that could influence the pace and direction of regulatory reform. Listen as they discuss: Why the appointment of the next financial services minister will be pivotal. How proposed policies like the $3 million super tax could impact the tax system and the potential unintended consequences. What the options are for the Treasury portfolio on the opposition's side.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Dr Ben Neilson, financial adviser at Complete Wealth, to unpack how ongoing volatility in investment markets are affecting clients and how different cohorts are reacting. As tariff announcements have caused a roller-coaster on stock markets, it is hard to blame clients for fretting. According to Nielson, the best way to manage concerned clients is to reach out proactively and ensure they know their adviser is in it with them. Listen as they discuss: Demystifying the broader implications of market volatility for clients. The difference a few days can make in periods of rapid change. How to use unpredictable events as a tool to shift clients' mindset.

In this week's special episode of The ifa Show, we present outgoing Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones' address at Momentum Media's Election 2025 event, followed by a Q&A covering the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms. In what was possibly his last address in front of an advice audience ahead of his retirement from politics, Jones outlines what he achieved over his three years in the role and how the Labor government plans to deliver on what he couldn't if they are successful at the upcoming election. Tune in to hear about: How the education standards reforms will help the profession recover its numbers. What is being done to address the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. The role of the new class of advisers in bridging the advice accessibility gap for retiring Australians. Why an extra six months would have done the trick.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Sarah Abood, chief executive of Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), to break down the Coalition's promises to the advice profession if they come into power and the merits of the latest draft legislation of Labor's advice reforms. Ahead of the federal election, Abood explored some of the possible solutions offered from both sides for addressing the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort, as well as the possible implications of superannuation funds providing retirement advice through collective charging. Listen as they discuss: What the FAAA wants from the incoming government. Why it's important that advisers gain access to the ATO portal. How government funding could boost new entrants to the profession.

In this week's special episode of The ifa Show, we present shadow treasurer Angus Taylor's address at Momentum Media's Election 2025 event, followed by a Q&A covering the Coalition's plans for the financial services sector. Taylor outlines what a Peter Dutton-led government would deliver for the Australian economy, why the role of financial advisers is "absolutely central" to its economic blueprint, and how the nation's leader needs to handle negotiations with US President Donald Trump. Tune in to hear about: The Coalition's plans to reshape the economy. How Taylor plans to get the cost-of-living crisis under control. Why the shadow treasurer aims to double financial adviser numbers.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by independent financial adviser Nathan Fradley to discuss the Aged Care Act reforms set to come into effect on 1 July and how advisers can prepare their clients. With the funding of aged care also heading for change, Fradley breaks down what advisers who don't specialise in the space need to know and the value of building a network of professionals they can refer clients to, to ensure they can meet the needs of clients navigating the complex aged care space. Listen as they discuss: Why it's so important that advisers stay up to date on the incoming reforms. The value of specialisation within the advice industry. What impact DBFO 1.5 could have on clients' retirement income and Centrelink eligibility.

In this episode of The ifa Show, hosts Keith Ford and Maja Garaca Djurdjevic are joined by Phil Anderson, general manager of policy, advocacy and standards at the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), to break down the latest tranche of financial advice reforms. With an election on the horizon, there won't be any meaningful movement on the draft legislation, but the version delivered last week has fallen well short of the FAAA's expectations, with Anderson characterising the association's response as having a “fairly strong tone of disappointment”. Listen as they discuss: What's in the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) exposure draft – and what isn't. Why the FAAA is so strongly against the legislation in its current form. The specifics around what advice super funds would be allowed to collectively charge members. Whether there are any real differences between the proposed client advice record and a statement of advice. How little there was in the budget for financial services and advice.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Eugene Ardino, chief executive of Lifespan Financial Planning, to discuss some of the hot-button topics impacting financial advice and why, despite some challenges, there is still plenty of reason for optimism. Financial advisers are facing headwinds in the form of sluggish regulatory reform and the growing impact of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR), which Ardino said is currently the biggest issue for advice, though high demand and deregulation on the horizon should see things improve. Listen as they discuss: What steps need to be taken to ensure the CSLR is sustainable without crippling financial advice. How the advice profession can work to attract more new entrants and sell the positives of the sector. Whether a change in minister is likely to speed up the implementation of reforms.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Marc Fabris, founder of Risk Hub, to discuss how technology and artificial intelligence are being used to boost efficiency in the advice process, making risk advice commercially viable for holistic advisers. While commissions have certainly played a significant role in the exodus of holistic advisers from the risk sector, Fabris explains how regulatory changes and compliance requirements have made risk advice more challenging and expensive, which has ultimately led to an underinsurance issue in Australia. Listen as they discuss: The likelihood of government addressing risk commissions soon. How collaboration with insurers could streamline the risk advice process. Why advisers need to embrace AI to stay competitive for the future.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Katherine Spitzkowsky, founder and principal adviser at Yulania Financial, ahead of International Women's Day to discuss the specific needs of women seeking financial advice, as well as how advisers can work with neurodiverse clients. While many financial advisers aim to tailor their offering to every client based on their individual needs, Spitzkowsky explains why it is still important to understand the differences in the way that men and women approach financial literacy to ensure clients receive the best outcome from the financial advice process. Listen as they discuss: The value of referring clients to other advisers who would be a better fit. Why neurodiverse clients can often be perceived as difficult because of a mismatch in communication styles. How financial advisers can provide a better service through flexibility in their processes.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by the executive director of the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals, Peter Johnston, to break down how the poor design of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) could lead to the downfall of the financial advice profession as they face a $70 million levy. With the responsibility of addressing the CSLR seemingly being left in the hands of the next government, Johnston explains the importance of advisers using their vote in the upcoming federal election to support those that will, in turn, support the profession and deliver on their promises. Listen as they discuss: Whether there are any legal pathways for the profession to challenge the CSLR. How advisers can push back against political pressures in the upcoming federal election. What the long-term implications of the CSLR could be for the profession.

In this episode of The ifa Show, co-hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford break down what Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones' impending retirement means for the upcoming federal election. While many advisers will be glad to see Jones go after years of disappointment from the Labor government, particularly in relation to the government's handling of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR), many are still hesitant to trust the Coalition, remembering the decade of mistreatment. Listen as they discuss: How United Global Capital is impacting the CSLR more than Dixon Advisory. Industry associations' criticisms of both major political parties. Whether advisers can expect to see a draft on tranche two of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms prior to the election.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by the chief executive of WT Financial Group, Keith Cullen, to break down the government's adviser education reform announcement, and why the profession needs to be pragmatic about the pathways to bring in new advisers. Cullen explains why he sees opening up financial advice to a wider range of degrees is vital, and the importance of maintaining the appropriate additional requirements, such as completing the adviser exam, professional year, and CPD training. Listen as they discuss: What advisers can expect from the upcoming federal election. How the next tranche of DBFO is tracking and the measures it needs to get right. Why the government needs to stop its constant meddling in the super system.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by the founder of The Cyber Collective, Fraser Jack, to discuss how technological advancements have impacted the cyber security space and the doubled-edged sword of AI. Reflecting on the evolving landscape of cyber security, Jack emphasised the importance of creating resilient businesses that can withstand and recover quickly from attacks as despite best efforts, attacks still can occur. Listen as he discusses: How third-party providers can increase cyber risk. Why leaders' knowledge is crucial to protecting the business. The consistent vulnerability of human error.

In this episode of The ifa Show, we share a discussion between host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and associate professor Nathan Eva, from Monash Business School, on the global implications of US President Donald Trump's "me-first agenda" on organisational culture, including within Australia. Eva breaks down Trump's executive orders rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and clean energy efforts, and how these moves could flow through into the domestic landscape. Listen as they discuss: The risks that come with deprioritising diversity and how Australian leaders can resist these trends. What organisations can do to stay committed to fairness, equity, and sustainability amid political and social upheaval. The leadership qualities needed to navigate this challenging new era.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by academic and consultant Dr Katherine Hunt to dive into the barriers that are holding advice firms back from bringing on young advisers and why overcoming them is important for the future of the profession. Reflecting on conversations with advisers who have decided working with professional year (PY) advisers simply doesn't fit their business model, Hunt outlined why this is an area where advice firms can take on more responsibility for improving the overall profession while still gaining value from a new adviser's skills. Listen as she discusses: How to reposition the value proposition of a PY adviser as a positive for your clients. Why the proposed new class of adviser could be reason for optimism and lead to growth in adviser numbers in the long-term. How to get the most out of mandated ethics continuing professional development rather than just ticking a box.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford sits down with founder and director of Forte Asset Solutions, Steve Prendeville, to break down what's happening in the financial services mergers and acquisitions (M&A) space. With activity high across the board, including multiple bidders attempting to take over Insignia Financial, Prendeville shares his insights on the growing international interest in Australian financial services firms and why this is happening. Listen as he discusses: The impact of offshore ownership on the domestic financial services market. Why 2025 is set to be a busy year for M&A advice firms, driven by a combination of supply and demand dynamics. How financial advisers can build better businesses and enhance profitability.

Join us for an exclusive interview as ifa's Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford are joined by shadow financial services minister Luke Howarth to discuss the Coalition's goals for financial advice. In this conversation, Howarth shares his perspective on the current state of the sector, what a change in government would bring about for financial advice reform efforts, the prospect of super funds returning to advice, and what needs to change regarding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. Tune in to hear the shadow minister's vision for the advice profession ahead of next year's federal election. You'll hear: What the Coalition's plan to implement all the Quality of Advice Review recommendations means in practice. His plans to turn around what has been a contentious relationship between the advice profession and successive governments on both sides of politics. How Australia's economy is looking following an extended period of high inflation and increased government spending. Whether the shadow minister is just talking a good game ahead of an election or if financial advice would be better off under a Coalition government.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Kylie Denton, the owner and director of Performance Advisory Group, to explore how advisers can navigate the complex landscape of the intergenerational transfer of wealth and engage with different generations of clients. Denton explains why financial advisers need to start thinking about how they will connect with this new generation now, as around $435 billion of wealth is set to transfer from Baby Boomers to generations X, Y, and Z over the next 10 years. Listen as they discuss: The conversations that advisers should be having with clients and both their children and grandchildren. How advisers can tailor their offerings to younger generations that communicate very differently compared with older clients. The different concerns that younger clients hold, not just from a financial perspective but also on a broader level.

In this episode of The ifa Show, co-hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford break down Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones' latest update on the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) reforms and how the new class of adviser (NCA) is set to operate. Details have been short on the second tranche of the DBFO and the delays have been lengthy, but the minister has provided a more in-depth look at how the super funds and insurers will be able to utilise NCAs to provide simple advice to members – though there is still no date for the release of draft legislation. Listen as they discuss: Whether the ability for NCAs to charge for their service is a net positive and why it became a point of friction among stakeholders. The reaction from across the financial services industry. How likely it is that the legislation will be passed in the current term of Parliament, given the ever-shrinking window before the federal election.

In this episode of The ifa Show, co-hosts Keith Ford and Maja Garaca Djurdjevic are joined by Money Management editor Laura Dew to dissect some of the submissions that industry stakeholders have made to the Senate's Dixon Advisory inquiry. Submissions for the Senate inquiry into failure of wealth management companies and the impact on the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) have started to be released, and some key issues have started to emerge around where the major problems lie and what can be done to fix them. Listen as they discuss: How the CSLR came about and why the Dixon Advisory collapse has caused so many problems. The ongoing concern of what will happen when the $20 million subsector cap is exceeded. Options to address large firms walking away from their subsidiaries and leaving it to advisers to pick up the tab.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Bryce Quirk, Group Executive of Distribution at CFS, and Recep Peker, Managing Director of Empower Business Advisory, to explore the findings of the firms' recent Advice Practice Profitability Report. Quirk and Peker break down the report's most important insights for advisers, from the way practice inefficiencies are hindering their ability to serve a greater number of clients to the importance of investing in the foundation of their businesses to accommodate future growth. Listen as they discuss: How to address the ongoing issue of advice accessibility. The importance of advocating for the value of financial advice and reducing servicing costs. The role of managed accounts in simplifying processes and improving client outcomes. Why advisers should seek technology partners that facilitate consistency and simplicity and how this can boost profitability.

In this episode of The ifa Show, co-hosts Keith Ford and Maja Garaca Djurdjevic sit down to discuss tranche two of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes legislation and Liberal senator Andrew Bragg's admonishment of the government for the ever-extending timeline to deliver a draft of the legislation. Together, the pair delve into the potential impact of Australia's 2025 federal election and how politics are playing a role in the legislative process, suggesting financial services could become a key battleground as the election nears. Listen as they discuss: The private member's bill hoping to provide advisers a reprieve from onerous statements of advice. Advisers who are left in a state of limbo as they await legislative change. The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort and the ongoing battle against Dixon Advisory.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Conrad Travers, director and principal consultant at Tangelo Advice Consulting, to discuss the ATO's final determination on tax deductibility of advice fees and how advice firms can put the changes into practice to benefit their clients. Travers explains how the new guidance works, what has changed from the draft determination that was released last year, and why it is important to work alongside accounting professionals to ensure the best outcomes for clients. Listen as they discuss: Why advice firms need to identify areas of friction in their processes to enhance their operational efficiency. How to get your practice ready for the changes coming out of the first Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) legislation. What to expect from the second tranche of DBFO and why you shouldn't rely on regulatory change to improve your practice.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Dr Ben Neilson, a financial adviser from Complete Wealth, to discuss a new framework for advice – developed through his recently completed PhD – focusing on six critical barriers: professionalism, trust, engagement, comprehension, costs, and serviceability. Neilson discusses the role of technology in improving efficiency in the advice process and the need to outsource administrative tasks to increase client capacity and reduce the cost to serve. Listen as they discuss: The key barriers impacting financial advisers. How firms can act to reduce the cost of advice. The perception of financial advice as a profession.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by specialist financial adviser Nathan Fradley to discuss the growing importance of aged care advice in Australia as the population gets older, and the need for specialised knowledge to successfully handle complexities of Australia's aged care system. Fradley discusses his journey to aged care advice, the challenges of navigating complicated relationship dynamics, and what can happen when people receive incorrect advice. Listen as they discuss: The emotional side of aged care advice. Unique challenges of advising clients on aged care and retirement. The evolving landscape of aged care legislation.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Grant Hackett, CEO of Generation Life, and Rebecca Pritchard, senior financial planner at Rising Tide Financial Services, to discuss the increasingly complex financial landscape shaped by evolving superannuation and tax policies. Together, they explore the key challenges these changes present for advisers and clients, and how financial professionals can navigate this new terrain to better serve their clients' long-term financial goals. Tune in for expert insights into critical issues, including: The effects of recent regulatory changes on financial planning strategies. How superannuation reforms are transforming retirement planning. New research from Generation Life revealing that 75 per cent of Australians are concerned about their retirement savings. ·         The evolving role of financial planners in helping clients navigate uncertainty. Effective strategies for sustaining client confidence during economic and policy shifts, and more.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by ifa deputy editor Keith Ford to discuss a range of issues within the financial advice space, including the opposition's strong statement on delays to implementing the Quality of Advice Review's (QAR) recommendations. The pair delve into shadow financial services minister Luke Howarth's criticism of the government due to the lack of movement on the second tranche of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) bill, despite the final QAR report being handed down more than 650 days ago. Listen as they discuss: Whether there is still time for DBFO tranche two legislation to be delivered. The public inquiry into the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort, Dixon Advisory and wealth management companies. Super funds embracing digital advice and the response from the advice community.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Dawn Thomas, a senior wealth adviser with The Wealth Designers, to explore the challenges of completing a PhD while continuing to work as a financial adviser, as well as the ongoing challenges that the profession faces. Thomas discusses her PhD on Generation Z's initial experience with superannuation, and the heavy workload of pursuing her research while balancing work and family obligations. She also shares why she believes that combining her academic background with her practical experience will enhance her expertise and help improve financial literacy among younger individuals, ultimately fostering greater engagement with the superannuation system. Listen as they discuss: The sacrifices she's making to complete her PhD. Advisers' struggle to be viewed as a profession. Improving people's engagement with their super, and more.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by author and financial adviser Helen Baker to unpack the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and how financial advisers can highlight prime investment opportunities in the market. Baker identifies the industries set to benefit from AI for advisers looking to integrate these into client portfolios and the ethical concerns surrounding these new technologies. Listen as they discuss: The revolutionary benefits and potential dangers of AI. How clients can benefit from AI investments. The ESG considerations that advisers should keep in mind.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Olympian and financial adviser at HLB Mann Judd Sarah Carli to discuss her experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the importance of being well prepared both on and off the track. Having competed in the 400-metre hurdles at the recently completed Paris Games, Carli explains the thought process of transitioning to retirement from athletics and dedicating more time to her financial advice career. Listen as they discuss: Readjusting to an office environment after competing in the Olympics. How a career as a track athlete has helped her become a better adviser and vice versa. Why financial advice is an appealing career for young people who may not know what it entails.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Eugene Ardino, CEO of Lifespan Financial Planning, explore the challenges that single adviser firms face and why they have an important place in the market. Ardino explains what the future holds for these firms and how reductions in red tape will make life easier, as well as how outsourcing arrangements can free the adviser to spend more time providing advice rather than in the back office dealing with admin tasks. Listen as they discuss: Why advisers need to decide early if they want to remain a single practitioner firm. The difference between working as an adviser and running an advice firm. How single practitioners can ensure they remain sustainable in the long run.

In this episode of The ifa show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Matt Esler, co-founder and co-CEO of Padua, explore how financial advisers can maximise the potential of their CRM systems. He emphasises that while CRMs are powerful tools, their effectiveness hinges on the quality of data input. Esler also discusses the importance of personalisation in client relationships, leveraging tools like Padua's Discover and Research Manager to enhance the accuracy and relevance of financial advice. He concludes by reaffirming the evolving role of paraplanners, who will become more strategic in delivering better, faster advice. Don't miss Esler's expert tips on refining your CRM for greater success. CRM data gaps: CRM data often has gaps, limiting its effectiveness. Personalisation: Tools like Discover help personalise advice and updates. Client relationships: Better data leads to stronger client engagement and outcomes. Future trends: Embracing new tech and ISO-certified tools for enhanced financial insights.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Lana Clark, founder of GSD Lab and senior consultant at Elixir Consulting, powered by VBP, to take an in-depth look at some of the key findings from the firm's recently released Advice Operations Research Report. Clark breaks down the ingredients that make up the secret sauce of great advice firm operations, explaining the areas that the research found make the largest contribution to successful firms and how practice principals can ensure the business is ready for the future. Listen as they discuss: The importance of separating the role of practice manager as quickly as possible. How building a good culture is harder than it seems but is vital to business success. Why nailing down bulletproof processes within an advice firm is a fundamental step.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Neil Younger, CEO of Entireti, to discuss the firm's recently announced strategic partnership that will see Entireti take a majority stake in AMP's three licensees and the Jigsaw offering. Younger explains how the move will impact the advisers moving across as well as what the deal means for the broader advice landscape. He also covers what the future looks like for licensees, and whether this period of consolidation among the larger licensees is set to continue. Listen as they discuss: Why the growing trend of firms self-licensing is a positive when done for the right reasons. What the upcoming second tranche of advice legislation needs to include. How the CSLR is affecting the advice community and whether it can be fixed.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Ryan Watson, chief executive of Tribeca Financial, to discuss the importance of bringing more advisers into the profession and why he believes there is currently an incredible opportunity to help people through financial advice.   Watson covers the advice firm's recent expansion with a new Sydney office, how Tribeca goes about attracting talent, and why growth and removing friction from the advice process is an opportunity to help more Australians access a financial adviser.   Listen as they discuss: Why there has never been a better time to be in financial advice. The freedom, flexibility, and responsibilities that come with holding an AFSL. Why value-based pricing and truly client-centric advice is the best way forward.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Ben Marshan, director of Marshan Consulting, to break down how the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms will impact advisers and how they can look beyond the shifting regulatory landscape to improve their businesses. Marshan explains how the ongoing financial services reforms have stacked on top of each other to create the unwieldy situation the sector finds itself in, and why streamlining labyrinthine regulation could be an impossible task. Listen as they discuss: How advisers can help their clients find purpose as they enter retirement. Why a new class of advisers shouldn't be viewed as an attack on professional advisers. The importance of cutting down on unnecessary compliance steps that are no longer needed.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Matt Hale, senior financial planner and director at Rising Tide Financial Services, to discuss where the advice profession is heading and the pressures that are impacting the provision of advice.   Hale explains how Rising Tide found its core client base and moulded its offering around their needs as well as the importance of attracting a younger cohort of advisers and the difficulties that can arise in doing so. Listen as they discuss: • Why it is important to not get too wrapped up in regulatory changes until they actually happen. • How advice firms can look to improve business processes for greater efficiency. • The key role compliance plays when running an advice firm.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by experienced financial services executive Tony Beaven to take a look at the similarities and differences between the UK and Australian financial advice sectors – and what each can learn from one another. Beaven, who has worked in advice businesses across both countries, explains how the regulators across these jurisdictions work together to improve their processes and how the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK works could inform the future of Australian advice regulation. Listen as they discuss: The place of robo-advice in reducing the advice gap. Why self-licensed advice firms need to fully understand the responsibilities that come along with it. How lowering the education benchmark for a new class of advisers could undermine professionalism.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by managing director of WT Financial Group Keith Cullen to discuss the recent passage of the first Delivering Better Financial Outcomes bill and the need to expand the advice profession. Cullen explains how advisers engaging with the political process delivered a tangible outcome in the amendments that were made to section 99FA, and why he believes the next tranche of legislation needs to include practical ways for advice firms to incorporate the proposed new class of advisers into their businesses. Listen as they discuss: The Senate's recent report on ASIC and its recommendation to overhaul the way the industry funding model operates. Why it is vital that the profession finds new ways to bring talent into advice. The case for licensees taking on a greater share of the ASIC levy.

On this week's episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Matthew Rady, the chief executive officer at BT Financial Group, to discuss the evolution of BT and how its BT Panorama platform stands out in a competitive space. Tune in to hear insights on the importance of embracing digital as well as having a great culture, and how BT is utilising both aspects to enable a “people-oriented business”. Listen as they discuss: How advisers can improve efficiency to service a greater number of clients. The changes within financial advice over the 10 years of BT Panorama. What to expect from the next decade as advisers contend with a changing landscape.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Phil Anderson to discuss a range of pressing issues for the advice profession that are adding a cost burden to the provision of advice. Anderson, who is the general manager of policy, advocacy and standards at the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), explains the different mechanisms in how the CSLR and ASIC funding levies are calculated and paid, and why the upcoming RITC changes will impact advice clients. Listen as they discuss: The push for greater consideration of tax deductibility for advice fees. Why the FAAA still wants the first DBFO bill to be passed quickly. The crunch of financial services legislation currently under consideration.

On this week's episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Cable Rickard, general manager of Wrap Solutions and Product Integration at Insignia Financial, to discuss the evolution of Insignia Financial, the impact of recent acquisitions, and the future of their flagship platform, Expand. Tune in to hear insights on how Insignia is navigating industry changes, enhancing client service, and leveraging technology to stay ahead in the financial advice landscape. You'll learn: How significant acquisitions have shaped Insignia. Insights into Expand, Insignia's flagship proprietary platform, its features, and its growth since its launch in 2019. How Insignia is responding to market changes, including regulatory impacts. Rickard's vision for the future of Expand and about Insignia's ongoing commitment to enhancing their platform and services to meet advisers' evolving needs.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by ifa news editor Keith Ford following the first Compensation Scheme of Last Resort payments being made to discuss how the scheme is impacting the advice profession. The pair delve into the details behind the CSLR, including how the scheme works and why advisers won't be on the hook for claims related to mortgage brokers, as well as breaking down the shadow financial services minister stepping up his criticism of the government's handling of financial advice reforms. Listen as they discuss: Why financial advisers are considering a boycott of the CSLR – and why it is a risky prospect. The letter that advisers are sending to their local members to protest unfair treatment. Whether the opposition would actually offer a better alternative.

In this episode of The ifa Show, hosted by Keith Ford, Hans Egger, managing director of Astute Wheel, delves into the importance of client portals for financial advisers. The discussion centres on the benefits of using client portals to enhance data security and improve the overall client experience. The pair discuss: The critical role of client portals in protecting sensitive financial information from cyber attacks, reducing risks associated with email communications. How client portals improve the client experience by facilitating pre-meeting information gathering and offering an intuitive, user-friendly interface. How a detailed audit trail of interactions and document exchanges aids in compliance and provides a clear record of all activities related to client accounts, and more.

In the latest episode of the ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Michael Pillemer, CEO of PPS Mutual, to discuss the sustainability and advantages of the mutual insurance model. Pillemer highlights that the mutual model allows for profit sharing among members, contributing to long-term sustainability and client satisfaction. Despite industry challenges like the adviser exodus and economic crises, PPS Mutual has grown steadily, now serving nearly 12,000 members with 38,000 benefits in place. Pillemer also highlights the advantages and success that the mutual model offers to advisers using PPS Mutual's growth and unique position within Australia's risk insurance space as proof. Listen to hear: How the mutual model creates an alignment of interests and reduces conflicts between the company's goals and clients' needs. How the model helps advisers manage client expectations and maintain long-term relationships, and more.

In the latest episode of the ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Padua Solutions co-founder and co-CEO Matt Esler ahead of the Adviser Innovation Summit in June to discuss the power of data in financial advice. Esler explains the pivotal role that data plays in shaping the future of financial advice, and the importance of understanding client advice data and identifying gaps in CRM and portfolio information. The pair discuss: How data-driven insights have revolutionised investment strategies and platform choices. The opportunities and potential pitfalls of integrating AI into financial advice. The risks and challenges of navigating a complex data landscape.

In the latest episode of the ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by DASH chief executive officer Andrew Whelan ahead of the Adviser Innovation Summit in June to discuss the intergenerational transfer of wealth. Whelan explains how the wealth transfer is leading to seismic shifts within financial advice, which is compounded by younger generations preferring digital interactions over face-to-face meetings – a trend that financial advisers must adapt to in order to remain relevant. The pair discuss: The changing preferences and evolving client expectations for advice across generations. The critical role of digital advice in addressing the advice gap, particularly for those with simpler needs or lower investable assets. How advice firms can increase profitability through strategic technology adoption.

In this special budget episode, hosts Keith Ford, Maja Garaca Djurdjevic, and Aaron Dunn discuss the outlook for financial advice and SMSFs on the back of a budget that revealed little in terms of detail for either sector. They also take a look at some of the measures that were included, as well as why some high-profile topics were left out completely, such as the $3 million super tax being conspicuously absent. Listen as they discuss: The need for more structural change within the taxation system to provide a meaningful impact. Why the headline-grabbing inflation predictions could be little more than a mirage. The missed opportunities to make a difference for advisers and clients.

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Ben Neilson, a financial adviser at Complete Wealth, to discuss streamlining the production of advice to help more clients. Neilson breaks down the way he makes advice more efficient and why advisers should be trying to do the same, as well as explaining why taking on more clients doesn't need to come at the expense of work/life balance. Listen as they discuss: The roadblocks to implementing a more streamlined approach to advice. Why advisers should go to their licensees with a plan to simplify their SOAs. How improving the advice profession can make advice more affordable for clients.