13 November 2026

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Edition 28

23 August 2013

Welcome from Chris Cuffe

The Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms are changing the landscape of advice and wealth management in Australia. At its heart, the removal of financial incentives for planners to promote particular products is a good move, and it is challenging business models which relied on these payments.

Deputy Commissioner, Peter Kell, summarises ASIC's approach to FOFA surveillance, and I was especially intrigued by his five 'red flags'. For example, ASIC will watch for licensees taking advantage of the grandfathering clauses by leaving clients in existing arrangements when circumstances change. In the next 12 months, there will be some tense moments in licensee offices as commissions come under scrutiny. No room for complacency in an adviser business.

The most topical subject on the minds of many investors is what to do with the 'safe cash' that once sat in term deposits. Graham Hand surveys a broad range of fixed interest alternatives and gives his strategies for avoiding real returns of zero.

The superannuation industry is sometimes criticised for its lack of innovation, especially in the post-retirement phase. David Bell provides some encouraging signs that academic research is increasingly turning its mind to retirement solutions, which will feed into product design.

There is a hidden army of millions of carers in Australia looking after family members, many worried about what will happen to their dependants when family care is no longer available. Claire Williamson gives her top hints for better outcomes. And Graeme Colley provides his second paper on reversionary pensions, another important aspect of estate planning.

We now have a Cuffelinks Group on LinkedIn, which you're welcome to join by clicking here. Raise any investment and superannuation issues you wish.

Chris

Latest posts from Cuffelinks, 23 Aug 2013, Edition 28

FOFA and ASIC’s five red flags Peter Kell
Where to now for term deposit investors? Graham Hand
Exciting times in superannuation research David Bell
Estate planning for families with care responsibilities Claire Williamson
Reversionary versus non-reversionary pensions Graeme Colley

Download PDF

23 August 2013

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