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14 March 2026
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Peter Kell on FOFA and ASIC's five red flags, term deposit alternatives, promising research in superannuation, plan for dependants and more on death benefit pensions.
ASIC will be conducting both proactive and reactive surveillance activities, looking for licensees who fail to address FOFA issues. In particular, there are five 'red flags' relating to advice practices which ASIC has identified.
The cupboard is looking bare for the defensive allocation in a portfolio, with the real cash rate in Australia at zero. We look at the range of interest-producing investments available to generate better income.
The broad range of research areas and techniques used instill confidence that the academic researcher community will contribute significantly to improving superannuation choices and retirement outcomes in future.
Gifting an estate absolutely may not be ideal for family dependants who are unable to look after their own financial affairs. Plan ahead and check these tips if you are the carer for a family member.
Whether a reversionary or non-reversionary pension is better is not straightforward and depends on the circumstances of the case, but it's an important part of estate planning.
A more rational taxation system that supports home ownership but discourages asset speculation could provide greater financial support to first home buyers.
Our cost-of-living pressures go beyond the RBA: surging house prices, excessive migration, and expanding government programs, including the NDIS, are fuelling inflation, demanding bold, structural solutions.
The capital gains tax discount is under review, but debate should go beyond its size. Its original purpose, design flaws and distortions suggest Australia could adopt a better, more targeted approach.
One in five Australians die before retirement and most have not set up their super properly so their loved ones can benefit from all their hard work and savings.
This is my last edition as Editor of Firstlinks. I’m moving onto a new role though the newsletter will remain in good hands until my permanent replacement is found.
An ageing Australia is shifting the superannuation system’s focus from accumulation to the lifecycle of retirement. While these pressures have been anticipated for decades, they are now converging at scale and driving widespread industry change.