In this episode of Relative Return, James Harwood, senior portfolio manager at Russell Investments, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the burgeoning ETF space and how the asset class can form part of an investment portfolio. Listen as they discuss: The core features and benefits of ETFs. The role of ETFs in a portfolio diversification strategy. The rise of active ETF strategies. The outlook for the ETF market and potential growth areas. The benefits of exposure to multiple ETF providers ..read more

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Kerry Ong, the general manager of customer wealth at Iress, to discuss improving the efficiency and accessibility of financial advice in Australia. Mr Ong touches on the significant challenges facing the industry, including regulatory changes and cost pressures, which have necessitated doing more with less, as well as how Iress is responding by enhancing its software and services to better align with evolving business models. Listen as they discuss: How the quality of advice review and subsequent legislative changes hav ..read more

In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the possible pathway for advisers to enter the industry through super funds and progressing from limited advice to fully licensed advisers. On the back of Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones floating the idea that non-relevant providers working in super funds could help increase adviser numbers, the pair look at the possible impacts for SMSFs and whether it could lay a foundation for future SMSF advisers. Listen as they discuss: The ATO’s recently announced illegal early access estimate. The September quar ..read more

In this episode of Relative Return, host Keith Ford speaks to the managing partner of Metrics Credit Partners, Andrew Lockhart, about the benefits of private markets exposure in a diversified investment portfolio. Listen as they discuss: Why private markets investing is so attractive in the current environment. How Metrics Credit Partners identifies lucrative investment opportunities in private debt and private equity. The strategies leveraged to mitigate market risks. How to best position private debt in an investment portfolio ..read more

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by the general manager of consulting at Elixir, Sue Viskovic, to discuss her recent business merger, the evolving landscape of financial advice, and the role of technology in shaping the industry’s future. Ms Viskovic explains the strategic decision to merge with Vital Business Partners (VBP), which brings greater access to capital, the ability to scale more rapidly, and ultimately, provide better and more efficient services to advice firms. Listen as they discuss: What changes with a move into a new role, and what doesn’t ..read more

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Rebecca Warren, executive general manager of small-business banking at CommBank, about how she navigated a historically male-dominated industry over her 20-year career and why she believes inclusion and diversity are not just morally imperative, but key to achieving superior business results. Tune in to find out: Why she loves commercial finance. The secret power of ‘quiet achievers’. How CommBank is creating a more inclusive and ..read more

In this episode of Relative Return, host Charbel Kadib speaks to Steven Tang and Damien Hennessy of Zenith Investment Partners about portfolio construction and asset allocation. Listen as they discuss: Is portfolio construction an art or science? The importance of selecting the right blend of products for different portfolios. Rebalancing portfolios to perform in different market environments. Being “cycle aware” with asset allocation and watching the signals. The role of strategic versus dynamic asset allocation ..read more

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by journalist Keith Ford to take a look at the first tranche of legislation for the government’s Delivering Better Financial Outcomes package of reforms. The pair discuss what is included in the draft legislation announced by Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones – and what isn’t. They also break down the minister’s comments and how advisers have reacted to the news. Listen as they discuss: The notable omission of measures relating to statements of advice and the removal of safe harbour provisions. The response from in ..read more

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Suzanne Wood, state general manager residential broker Victoria/Tasmania at Westpac Group (and state chair of the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group), about how she climbed the career ladder in banking and the power of having strong female role models. Tune in to find out: How she learnt the art of having difficult conversations. The perils of unconscious bias and how to tackle them. How Westpac is supporting women through t ..read more

In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Peter Burgess, chief executive officer at the SMSF Association, to break down the regulatory landscape for SMSFs. Mr Burgess explains the SMSF Association’s position on division 296 – the government’s proposed $3 million super tax – including where the major issues lie as well as alternative methods if the government moves ahead with the reforms. Listen as they discuss: Suggestions to avoid taxation of unrealised gains. Lobbying efforts from the SMSF Association to attempt to change or block parts of the l ..read more