Eternal optimists always look for a silver lining, so is there an upside for financial planning businesses to the current market downturn? Fiona Harris reports.... read more »
Embracing environmental sustainability may be on the minds of most Australian corporations, but it seems much more can still be done to tackle the threat of climate change.... read more »
Many financial advisers have been seduced by the rising economic prosperity in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). However, BRIC nation equities have endured a horror run so far this year, burning many financial advisers and investors caught up in the emerging market hype. Vishal Teckchandani reports. ... read more »
The date may not be set, but exiting a business is inevitable for all business owners. Julie May discovers why putting a succession plan in place is more important than ever before, and why having one can maximise the value of the business and ensure its legacy lives on.... read more »
To begin with, I assume every person reading this article believes they are honest, they contribute to the wellbeing of their clients and they have truth as a guiding principle in their business relationships.... read more »
The boutique funds management sector has enjoyed phenomenal growth in the past few years. But as the credit crisis reached Australian shores at the end of last year, investment returns started to fall fast, and boutiques have certainly not been spared. Wouter Klijn reports.... read more »
The financial planning software market is currently dominated by two providers, Iress and Coin, however, Darin Tyson-Chan discovers some smaller players are now developing their own systems in an effort to obtain technology to improve the advice process for everyone.... read more »
The Australian share market enjoyed four straight calendar years of great returns, however, the 2008 financial year proved to be a difficult one for most investors. Victoria Papandrea reports.... read more »
It may take some time before French asset managers make the inroads in Australia that they have in the European funds industry, but the establishment here of some of France's biggest asset manager brand names indicates they are serious about making a start, Karin Derkley reports.... read more »
The phenomenal returns of recent years from traditional asset classes have limited the interest of superannuation funds and institutional investors in hedge funds. However, the market downturn could change all that. James Dunn reports.... read more »
Education and training are the key components to remaining relevant to members, Victoria Papandrea finds as she talks to the industry associations.... read more »
Understanding the machinations of government and our legislative and regulatory systems is a mystery to those living and working outside the nation's capital. Our man in Canberra lifts the lid on how governments can change rulings in the financial system. Here he profiles the progression of an idea to a ruling as happened in the case of managed investment schemes in 2007.... read more »
US fund managers find establishing a presence in Australia more difficult than they first anticipate. Vishal Teckchandani looks at the bumpy road US managers travel to build their reputations and funds under management locally.... read more »
In trying to make sense of the crowded investment product market, advisers and dealer groups have traditionally outsourced the research function to specialist providers. But in the wake of recent high-profile manager failures, dealer groups are becoming increasingly aware a blow-up on the APL is their responsibility.... read more »
Although aggregators have been buying up big in the marketplace, recent market volatility has curtailed some of those activies. Marta Wiaceck looks at what the aggregators are doing now market conditions have dampened the environment.... read more »
The lure of boutique funds management remains strong for Australian fund managers despite financial market volatility and tightening economic conditions. James Dunn looks at what's happening in the boutique sector in Australia.... read more »
IFA recently assembled a roundtable of investment managers and research heads to discuss what's happening the multi-manager space. They spoke about the impact of the current market conditions, new products and where the sector is heading.... read more »
Fixed interest should stay true to label and stick to its diversification role, with industry experts urging investors to painstakingly research the risks involved and to ensure their portfolios are truly diversified. Jane-Anne Lee reports.... read more »
It has been three years since the beginning of the disaster that was the Westpoint mezzanine finance schemes. Regardless of the passing years, the anguish from the collapse continues to be felt. Kate Kachor reports.... read more »
A recent court case involving the Westpoint collapse has left an individual adviser facing the full brunt of the client claims. Financial services lawyer Mark Halsey asks whether this is a preview of things to come.... read more »
Financial planner, paraplanner and BDM salaries are once again on the rise, according to the latest Financial Recruitment Group Salary Survey. Jane-Anne Lee reports.... read more »
Technology is transforming the distribution of individual life insurance - but not all agree on the right platform for its delivery. Karin Derkley reports.... read more »
Property investment remains in a holding pattern as investors adopt a wait-and-see stance. But there are still good opportunities to be had. Jane-Anne Lee reports.... read more »
Easy rider Julia Newbould dons her leathers for the annual financial services Corners 4 Kids charity ride and discovers it's the journey that's important, not just the destination.... read more »
With the axe set to fall on non-forestry managed investment scheme tax breaks, Madeleine Koo examines whether this spells the end for such products and the advisers who give them business.... read more »
IFA celebrates its 400th issue by taking a look at the movers and shakers, the deals and the issues that have characterised the industry since Investor's Advisor was first published in 1999.
The time is right to review margin lending clients' managed funds, equities and risk profile, according to some in the industry, while others believe the climate is tood for entering the margin lending market. Jane-Anne Lee reports.... read more »
The current investment market has prompted advisers and investors to look at alternative strategies, including warrants, spread trading and gold. Stephen Blaxhall reports.... read more »
Market volatility and the need for capital protection have thrust structured products into the spotlight recently. Stephen Blaxhall speaks to product manufacturers, researchers and advisers about the place of these products in the current market climate.... read more »
IFA wraps up the major industry issues of the year, including the continued rise of boutiques, the sub-prime crisis, the massive inflows into superannuation, M&A activity and changes on the regulatory front.
WB Financial has taken out this year's Best Practice Award. Stephen Blaxhall spoke with the group's principal Paul Carroll about what he believes puts his business head of the pack.... read more »
