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.

On this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Hugh Robertson, chief executive of Centaur Financial Services, to explore the challenges that come with market volatility and how advisers can really show their value in these times.

Although many clients will feel the need to adjust their investments as changes occur, Robertson believes that timing the market simply doesn’t work, highlighting the importance of discipline and sticking to long-term strategies while still remaining adaptable.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why it’s important for advisers to stay flexible in challenging markets.
• How Division 296 could do more harm in the long run.
• Using diversification to ride out unexpected market shifts.

This week on The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Adele Martin, founder of Financial Adviser Scale Squad, who speaks about the value of collaboration within the financial services sector and how this can help advisers grow and improve their businesses.

Ahead of presenting at the AI Summit in June, Martin explains how advisers can use AI in their practices to not only help them be more efficient but also in training the next generation of advisers.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why advisers should be doing more than looking for referral partners.
• The role of technology in enhancing advisers’ service offering.
• How hosting workshops can help strengthen both client and partner relationships.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Fraser Jack, founder of The Cyber Collective, to delve into the longstanding issue of giving financial advisers access to the ATO portal and why the Tax Office might be hesitant to open the door.

Jack also touches on the CPS 230 regulation, which will come into force on 1 July, explaining that advisers will be under even heavier scrutiny from APRA-regulated entities to ensure their cyber security is up to their new standards.

Listen as they discuss:

• How advisers can shore up their cyber security in preparation for ATO portal access.
• What can be learned from the recent attacks on superannuation funds.
• Why advisers should be discussing cyber security with their clients.

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.