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14 March 2026
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Former ACCC Chairman, Allan Fels, reveals the large 'loyalty taxes' in the insurance industry, where existing customers pay much higher prices than the specials aimed at new accounts.
Amid the Royal Commission words like toxicity, rot, darkness and attrition, the super industry must rebuild trust with accessible, open and candid communication, and stop scoring own goals.
Nobel Laureate, Robert C. Merton, says technology and fintechs will find it difficult to build trust, but how much trust do we have in "the contradiction of the country’s most hated company"?
Despite the commonly held views that Australians hate banks, market research shows the vast majority are satisfied with their bank. Same with super funds. What about bank managers and financial advisers?
Consumers of financial products are increasingly willing to place their trust in new intermediaries, including fintechs driving change with innovation and consumer-driven processes.
Success in wealth management requires meeting client demands for performance, engagement and trust. There are key areas where established businesses are out of step with client expectations.
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.