The ifa Show

On this episode of the ifa Show, Omura Wealth Advisers director Terry Vogiatzis joins host Keith Ford to dive into why aggressive, growth-focused investing, smart tax structures and customised portfolios can dramatically change long-term outcomes. Vogiatzis argues that for many younger investors, the real risk is being too conservative for too long, rather than riding out volatility in pursuit of higher compounding returns, and why it is vital to adapt an investment strategy that recognises that these clients are providing consistent inflows. Tune in to hear: Why the real risk is for younger clients is being too conservative for too long. How compliance and fee pressures are reshaping advice. Why customisation and tax efficiency are critical for higher‑earning younger clients.

In this episode of the ifa Show, Direct Wealth technology manager and Halosoft co-founder Nick Downey joins host Keith Ford to explore the real reasons many Australian financial advisers remain hesitant about AI, despite 74 per cent of practices are either using or planning to use AI. Downey explains why this hesitation exists, why it's rational – particularly when it comes to security concerns – and how tools purpose-built for advice practices are starting to shift adviser comfort and confidence. Tune in to hear: What the real barriers to AI adoption are and why it isn't about resistance to technology. How adviser confidence shifts quickly once they experience a high-quality, adviser-aligned AI tool firsthand. Why the future of advice technology is workflow-driven, client-centric, and focused on freeing advisers to do more of the human work that matters.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Andrew Gale and Stephen Huppert from the Actuaries Institute's Help, Guidance and Advice Working Group joins host Keith Ford to take a deep dive into the recently released framework to address the complexities of financial advice in Australia, focusing on creating clearer pathways for consumers to access financial support. Andrew and Stephen explain that the current system leaves approximately 60 per cent of Australians without adequate financial support, while the HGA framework aims to bridge this gap by providing a more flexible approach that allows for different levels of support, from basic information to comprehensive personalised advice, while maintaining clear regulatory boundaries. Tune in to hear: • The challenges facing the provision of financial advice and how the framework aims to solve them. • Why clearer boundaries between different levels of financial support are vital to improve client outcomes. • How the still unfinished Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms can provide some positive results.

In this crossover episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by The SMSF Adviser Show co-host Aaron Dunn to unpack the changes from the initial proposal to the current version released this week. The discussion emphasises that while the major concerns of taxing unrealised gains and lack of indexation have been addressed, many technical details still need to be clarified through the legislative process and further consultation. Listen as they discuss: Taxable earnings: Originally, the tax applied to all earnings, whether realised or not. The revised measure will only tax realised gains. Indexation: The $3 million threshold will be indexed against the consumer price index (CPI) in $150,000 increments, pegged to the transfer balance cap movement. The $10 million threshold will be indexed in $500,000 increments, also aligned with CPI. Tax rates: For balances above $3 million, an additional 15 per cent tax applies to earnings. For balances above $10 million, an additional 10 per cent tax applies to earnings. Start date: The effective start date has been moved to 1 July 2026, with the first assessments issued in FY2027–28. Liability: The tax liability remains with the individual, who can pay it directly or seek a release from their super fund. The ATO will calculate the tax. Consultation: There is optimism for constructive consultation on the implementation details, particularly regarding how realised earnings will be calculated for APRA funds and self-managed super funds, and the treatment of CGT discounts and pre-2026 asset gains.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Ben Walsh, principal research consultant at WealthVantage Partners, joins host Keith Ford to break down the corporate regulator's new report on the private credit market and highlight the main areas that financial advisers need to understand. Walsh delves into the report's detailed examination of the industry, emphasising the need for greater transparency and scrutiny, particularly regarding special purpose vehicles, fee disclosures, and product labelling. Tune in to hear: Why advisers need to conduct thorough due diligence and not rely on any third party when recommending private credit to clients. The danger of private credit funds often being mislabelled as "defensive exposure" despite the illiquid nature of their underlying assets. Why advisers shouldn't be considered gatekeepers, and more onus needs to be on the fund managers themselves.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Shail Singh, lead ombudsman for investments and advice at AFCA, for a deep dive into two of the most complex – and crucial – pillars of financial consumer protection: the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. From resolving disputes early and rebuilding client relationships to tackling large-scale cases like Dixon Advisory, Singh sheds light on how AFCA operates and the challenges posed by mounting case volumes. The discussion also unpacks the role of the CSLR in firm failures, deadline-driven complaint surges, and the often-confusing treatment of self-managed super funds under retail versus wholesale classifications. Hear about: AFCA's approach to resolving disputes and why early resolution is encouraged. The challenges of the CSLR in handling firm failures and complaint deadlines. What advisers need to know about SMSF classifications, multi-party disputes, and managing risk.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Hayes & Co Insurance Services financial adviser Trish Gregory joins host Keith Ford to explain the importance of childhood trauma policies, how they can help parents through a child's significant health issues and why more advisers should be keeping them top of mind for their clients. Gregory details the benefits of the somewhat niche policy and what advisers need to know about the relatively straightforward process to set the coverage up, as well as the value of having an expert on hand at claim time. Tune in to hear: Why the ability to transfer a childhood trauma policy to an adult policy with no underwriting can be so valuable. The broader issues with fewer financial advisers working in risk advice. How advisers who don't write a lot of risk should lean on insurer's business development managers. Why there needs to be a more transparent system for professional year candidates.