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Home / Author: Claire Wivell Plater

Claire Wivell Plater

Westpac case and the digital fix for SOA mess

Recent legal cases involving Westpac and BT put to rest any view that 'caveat emptor' (buyer beware) applies to 'no' and 'general' advice service models, even though those models do not attract a best interests duty.

ASIC is not soft: who's next in line for scrutiny?

Going through ASIC’s pronouncements and corporate plans can help gauge whether a business is at risk. Big and small AFS licensees such as non-bank planners, accountants, and life advisers will be increasingly scrutinised soon.

Regtech evolution as compliance drives us crazy

One estimate puts the cost of compliance with regulations at $95 billion p.a. plus self-imposed red tape at an additional $160 billion. New developments in 'regtech' offer hope that this tsunami can turn into a gentler wave.

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Economy

Making sense of record high markets as the world catches fire

The post-World War Two economic system is unravelling, leading to huge shifts in currency, bond and commodity markets, yet stocks seem oblivious to the chaos. This looks to history as a guide for what’s next.

Australia’s generous housing subsidies face mounting political risk

Canada’s leader Mark Carney has spoken of a rupture in the rules based system that has governed the world since 1945. That rupture means nations like Australia will need to boost defence spending and find savings elsewhere.

Shares

Finding yield on the ASX

With ASX dividend yields now below government bond yields, investors face an upside-down market where income is scarce, growth is muted, and careful selection of bond-like stocks has never mattered more.

Investment strategies

Digging for value among ASX miners

ASX miners are back in favour after playing second fiddle to banks for years. Is it too late to get in? Here are some thoughts on the large caps such as BHP and Rio, and the hot gold mining sector.

Gold

Gold: Is it time to be greedy or fearful?

Most commentary on gold's recent record highs focus on it being the product of fear or speculative momentum. That's ignoring the deeper structural drivers at play. 

Investment strategies

Asia in 2026: Riding AI, reform and a shifting global order

Tariff turmoil tested Asia, but AI leadership, policy easing and reform momentum are restoring investor confidence and strengthening the region’s outlook for 2026. 

Investment strategies

Investors beware: Bull markets don’t last forever

New research explains why high valuations, low dividends and bullish sentiment rarely coexist with strong long-term returns after extended bull markets. 

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