In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Nicole Gardner, founder and financial adviser at Stellar Wealth, to explore how clients react to times of turmoil and whether global events should change investment plans or even their ethical considerations.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer in a very public manner, Gardner explains that clients are now left considering how they feel about the potential of profiting from conflict against their desire for higher investment returns.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why the markets aren’t really reacting to the Israel–Iran conflict.
• How a reliance on passive investing can limit advisers’ flexibility during market upheaval.
• The possible opportunities in volatility.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Natallia Smith, the director and principal financial adviser of TruWealth Advice, to explore how ethics have shaped her firm at a foundational level and the benefits of self-licensing in giving her control to make business decisions grounded in ethical practices.

Touching on a hot topic for the profession, Smith shares her views on advice charging models, explaining why she believes fixed dollar-based fees are more ethical than asset-based fees.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why the separation of product and service is so important in financial advice.
• The need for more female representation within the profession.
• How ethics impacted her decision to develop a niche client base.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by ifa journalist Shy-ann Arkinstall to discuss new Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino’s initial meetings with industry associations, including the Financial Advice Association Australia, the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals and the SMSF Association, and what the outcomes of these say about the future of the profession.

As the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) reforms remain top of mind for advisers, they take a look at the Financial Services Council’s submission on the legislation, digging into the ongoing concerns regarding the so-called new class of adviser and the uncertainty that has come with only receiving half of the next round of reforms.

Listen as they discuss:

• The soon-to-be-released Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) Treasury review.
• How different variations of Division 296 could impact Australians’ superannuation savings.
• What advisers might expect to see over the next few months.