The ifa Show

On this episode of the ifa Show, Forte Asset Solutions principal Steve Prendeville joins host Keith Ford to break down the advice sector M&A outlook and why the feared wave of exits never aligned with what he was seeing on the ground, particularly among advice business owners. While consolidation is accelerating, Prendeville stressed that successful deals are less about headline price and more about cultural alignment, client continuity and protecting staff outcomes, with many advisers choosing to sell without exiting and remain in advice roles post-transaction. Tune in to hear: Why adviser exits linked to the education deadline have been far lower than forecast. How rising fees and profitability are underpinning strong M&A activity, with demand from both private equity-backed groups and traditional buyer-to-buyer transactions. Why the bottom line price isn't always the biggest factor.

In this episode of the ifa Show, Vanguard Australia head of multi-asset solutions Matthew Cho joins host Keith Ford to unpack how advisers are rethinking portfolio construction amid rising regulatory demands, administrative complexity and broader market uncertainty. With advisers under pressure to deliver tailored portfolios while preserving efficiency, Cho explains why scalable, rules-based investment solutions – particularly managed accounts and model portfolios – are becoming essential tools for modern practices. Tune in to hear: How utilising a core–satellite approach can balance the goals of diversification, cost efficiency, and alpha generation. Why rising compliance load and limited time is driving advisers to scalable model portfolio solutions. The practical benefits that model portfolios can provide for both advisers and their clients. Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) (Vanguard) is the Portfolio Manager of the Vanguard Core-Satellite Model Portfolios (Portfolios). Lonsec Investment Solutions Pty Ltd (LIS) (ABN 95 608 837 583) is engaged to provide investment advisory services in relation to the Portfolios. LIS is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) of Evidentia Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 97 664 546 525 / AFS Licence 546217).

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Dr Ben Neilson, adjunct professor at Central Queensland University and adviser at Complete Wealth, and Shelley Labartolo, client service officer at Complete Wealth, join host Keith Ford to break down their research on the stages of client emotions during the advice process. Their research centred on how understanding and mapping client emotions at each stage – from discovery and strategy development to implementation and review – not only improves decision quality and trust but also enhances the client experience and reduces the need for follow-up. Tune in to hear: How advisers can practically implement the findings to foster greater levels of trust with clients. Why it's important to address emotions proactively with feedback, empathetic questioning, and clear communication. The value for advisers with high emotional intelligence and how they can build greater trust and achieve stronger, more durable client relationships.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, MLC Expand CEO Liz McCarthy and Shadforth Financial Group CEO Terry Dillon join host Keith Ford to discuss the transformative role of AI in financial advice and how AI tools are being implemented to drive efficiency. With advice firms looking for greater automation of routine administrative tasks, AI is set to reshape the advice profession's approach to client service and business growth. Tune in to hear: How MLC Expand and Shadforth are responding to the need for greater efficiency through AI tools. Why rigorous governance and privacy protocols to ensure data security and accuracy are so vital. The crucial role of AI in expanding client service capacity, improving financial literacy, and addressing the broader advice gap in the market.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Falcon Financial Advisers partner and financial adviser Tom Moloney joins host Keith Ford to break down why he decided to establish his own firm around 18 months ago, and the importance of developing new talent in financial advice. Moloney explains how he took an intentional approach to his career in financial advice, some of the pros and cons of setting up a new advice firm, and the different options that a prospective practice principal can explore when going out on their own. Tune in to hear: The value of having the support of an established business, including leveraging shared resources, economies of scale, and established referral networks. How transitioning from an adviser to a business owner requires a significant mindset shift. Why nurturing "soft skills" like communication and client understanding in new advisers, alongside technical expertise, is vital.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Mazi Wealth financial adviser Deline Jacovides joins host Keith Ford to delve into the complexities of making financial advice more accessible and why accessibility extends beyond simply trying to deliver advice at the lowest cost possible. Jacovides explains that she believes making advice more accessible includes utilising diverse delivery methods like ad hoc services that may appeal to clients who may not require continuous engagement, while also requiring government action to reduce the cost burden on financial advisers. Tune in to hear: Why transparency and education are crucial to bridge the gap between client expectations and the true cost of financial advice. How clients who have engaged with online "finfluencer" content often have some level of foundational financial literacy. The role of technology in streamlining operations and enhancing the efficiency of advice delivery. Why fixing the onerous statement of advice process should be the top priority in advice reform.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford sits down with David Berry, inaugural CEO of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort, to unpack the challenges of protecting investors when financial advice goes wrong. They discuss high-profile failures like Dixon Advisory, Shield, and First Guardian, and the legislative and regulatory changes needed to ensure the CSLR's long-term sustainability. Tune in to hear: The complexities of addressing financial firm failures, including Dixon Advisory and United Global Capital. Legislative and regulatory improvements that could strengthen the CSLR for the future. How transparency and ethical advice are crucial to maintaining trust in the financial advice profession.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Rasiah Private Wealth founder and principal adviser Thabojan Rasiah joins host Keith Ford to discuss why the self-confessed "investment geek" believes maximising returns shouldn't be the sole objective of financial advice. Rasiah explains that while investing wisely is crucial, an overly narrow focus on investments can lead to neglecting other crucial aspects of financial advice and potentially overshadow a client's broader life goals. Tune in to hear: Why looking beyond just returns can ensure that other outcomes important to your clients are sufficiently addressed. How to benchmark and measure the success of goals that aren't focused on percentage-based performance. The role of thoughtful questioning in helping clients articulate their true goals. Why making advice accessible to a wider audience is a pressing issue for the profession.