In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Pivot Wealth founder Ben Nash joins host Keith Ford to break down the secrets to leveraging digital platforms for business growth and client engagement while dealing with the compliance challenges that come with professionals communicating in the digital realm.

Nash highlights that his journey into content marketing began as a deliberate strategy to generate leads independently of traditional referral networks and offers practical advice for others venturing into the social media space, suggesting they start by mastering one content format before expanding.

Tune in to hear:

• Why focus and consistency are key to building traction in online content.
• How prioritising authenticity is a better method than trying to game the algorithm when building an audience.
• Whether getting labelled a “finfluencer” is a drawback for a professional adviser.
• How you can help prospective clients engaging with your content prepare for the advice process.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Financial Advice Association Australia general manager of policy, advocacy and standards Phil Anderson joins host Keith Ford to take a deep dive into the latest Compensation Scheme of Last Resort consultation, this time focusing on how the special levy should be decided.

With $47.3 million left to be covered for FY2025–26, Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino has a decision on his hands: either do nothing, delay payments, put it all on advisers, or spread the cost. Anderson explains why the FAAA believes widening the sectors that will cover the excess cost is the most equitable and sustainable way forward.

Tune in to hear:

• How spreading the cost across a broader range of sectors can work in practice.
• The impact of recent large-scale fund failures on the CSLR and how the government might respond.
• Whether the Treasury review will result in substantive legislative change or just temporary solutions.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Charlie Viola, the executive chairman of Viola Private Wealth, to discuss how private markets allow his firm to better deliver on the increasingly complex needs of its ultra-high-net-worth client base.

As private markets continue to emerge as a key tool for diversification, Viola suggests that investment vehicles, such as managed accounts, can allow advisers to access and utilise private markets without the need for complex, in-house investment functions.

Listen as they discuss:

• How private markets can play a key role in long-term investment planning.
• Why more choices can be a “double-edged sword” for advisers.
• The challenge of keeping clients focused when an asset performs above expectations.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Andrew Saikal-Skea, founder of Saikal-Skea Independent Financial Advice, to discuss the value of providing completely independent advice and how it can help remove the invisible barrier that even the perception of third-party influence can create.

Saikal-Skea also breaks down how this focus on independence and being self-licensed, along with a specialisation in helping military personnel both while serving and as they transition, has led to another niche – providing global advisory services to clients in a range of foreign jurisdictions.

Listen as they discuss:

• The complexity of working with clients living overseas and the unique challenges different countries present.
• How specialising in specific client demographics or financial situations allows advisers to develop deep expertise and ensure clients receive the most appropriate and tailored advice.
• Why it’s vital to bridge the gap between providing quality financial advice and servicing everyday Australians.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Andrew McVeigh, managing partner at Remara, to discuss the growing private credit and real estate investment sectors, as well as the implications of the proposed $3 million super tax on holdings within self-managed super funds.

McVeigh highlights that with private credit experiencing substantial growth as an asset class in Australia and around 300 credit funds available for investment, advisers are facing a range of challenges in seeking to differentiate between these funds, particularly when it comes to liquidity and risk profiles.

Listen as they discuss:

• How different investor demographics are gravitating towards funds that match their risk profile.
• The challenges of providing liquidity with alternative assets and how funds are finding solutions.
• Why many SMSF investors are shifting towards income-generating assets to handle the proposed super changes.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Corey Wastle, CEO of Verse Wealth, to take a deep dive into strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in financial advice, particularly given the shrinking talent pool.

Wastle emphasises the importance of becoming a “destination workplace” where the best people want to work – which requires cultivating a strong culture, focusing on employee autonomy and growth, and being transparent throughout the hiring and employment process.

Listen as they discuss:

• The value of implementing tools like cultural interviews, psychometric testing, and knowledge assessments in the hiring process.
• The importance of supporting career progression and development for all team members.
• Why advice firms shouldn’t consider remuneration a taboo topic.
• What to expect from trends within the advice sector, such as firm consolidation and equity partnerships.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by James O’Reilly, financial planner and director of Northeast Wealth, to delve into why advice practices should be conducting an internal review at the end of the financial year, arguing that this is a great time to look at what can be done better.

Efficiency has been a particularly hot topic over the last 12 months and with this in mind, O’Reilly explains that now is a great time to look at where the bottlenecks and pinch points in your advice process might be and make a plan on how to improve them.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why ATO Portal access is so important for advisers.
• What businesses should be doing to maximise marketing effectiveness.
• How overall team wellbeing can impact the workplace.

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.