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Financial Standard
The weekly Financial Standard podcast covers the latest developments in finance, investment trends, and economics that are shaping the future of Australia’s wealth management landscape by talking to leading professional voices in Australia and from around the world. Brought to you by Financial Standard. Take the lead.
Busting retirement income myths
The largest cohort in Australia’s history are entering, or about the enter, retirement with the ABS estimating 710,000 Australians will retire in the next five years. As the superannuation system prepares for this major change, many retirees are considering annuities as a way to ensure an income stream throughout retirement. But there are still myths surrounding annuities and retirement income more broadly. Aaron Minney, head of retirement income research at Challenger, joins the Financial Standard podcast to discuss.
10:3920/11/2024
FS Power50: Using your influence for good
In part two of celebrating this year’s Power50 list, we talk to Fox & Hare Financial Advice co-founder Glen Hare about what being influential means to him. A champion for the profession, Glen has appeared on the Power50 list for the sixth time.
15:1913/11/2024
FS Power50: The power of influence
In celebrating this year’s Power50 list, we talk to Bounce Financial owner and financial planner Cara Brett about what being influential means to her and how she is helping uplift financial literacy one client at a time and educating the masses via her popular podcasts Money Chat and The Rising Professional.
10:1606/11/2024
What does the Fed rate cut mean to investors?
Following the recent easing cycle in the US, what are some essential information investors should note before making their next move? Chad Padowitz from Talaria shed light on some common traits investors tend to share in such scenarios. He also laid out some potential upsides throughout the possibly confusing period.
13:1330/10/2024
How advisers can embrace social media
Social media is invaluable for any business. But why do some financial advisers still shun it as a marketing strategy? Money mentor Adele Martin shares how simple strategies can make an impact on the growth and sustainability of advice practices.
12:3923/10/2024
Doubling down on DEI
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a growing focus for the investment industry. In 2022, the CFA Institute launched its DEI Code in the US before expanding to Canada and the UK. The code provides the investment industry with a structured framework through which to develop meaningful and measurable strategies to better manage people in the sector.Just last month, the CFA Institute and CFA Societies Australia introduced the local iteration of the DEI Code and, while down under to celebrate the launch, CFA Institute’s Sarah Maynard joined Financial Standard managing editor Jamie Williamson to discuss the motivations behind the launch, who’s on board and what’s next for DEI.
11:4816/10/2024
AUKUS: Making a splash on the economy
The defence pact between Australia, the UK, and the US or ‘AUKUS’ will reportedly cost between $250 billion and $370 billion. What exactly is AUKUS? How will it impact the Australian economy? University of Queensland professor of economics John Quiggin gives us the lowdown.
11:2009/10/2024
Insights from reporting season
Economic growth is expected to continue slowing, but the overall environment is not signalling a recession, thanks to the support of central banks and governments. This presents opportunities for market expansion, particularly in underperforming sectors like small caps and resources, according to SG Hiscock portfolio manager Hamish Tadgell.
14:5902/10/2024
Navigating opportunities and risks in Asian markets
In China, the market has been defined by cautious consumer spending, policy uncertainty, and ongoing concerns about property market weaknesses. India, on the other hand, has had strong market performance driven by retail investors and a favourable demographic outlook, but valuations are becoming exorbitant. Fidelity cross asset specialist Lukasz de Pourbaix explains why selective investing is therefore crucial.
20:4025/09/2024
Fund managers: Own up to your mistakes
In this episode, Claremont Global head and co-portfolio manager Bob Desmond explains why fundies should be transparent about their mistakes and avoid the arrogance of thinking they’re infallible.
15:1918/09/2024
Understanding crypto in SMSFs
Despite its volatility, crypto assets are gaining enormous traction within the SMSF landscape. SMSF specialist Nicholas Ali from Neo Super indicates the phenomenon likely resulted from younger entrants setting up SMSF.Ali highlighted what consumers can encounter and the regulatory complications when investing in crypto assets.
10:5511/09/2024
The rise of fixed income solutions
With the current high interest rate environment fixed income investments have seen a surge in popularity. But, with experts anticipating global central banks to embark on a rate-cutting cycle, will fixed income fall to the wayside? Global X head of sales Manny Damianakis joins the Financial Standard podcast to discuss.
09:3404/09/2024
Tokenisation: The Apple Pay of private markets
Tokenisation requires a significant change in how people think about transacting and storing assets. While gaining comfort and understanding will take time, the benefits are substantial, according to Hamilton Lane co-chief executive Erik Hirsch.He adds that it’s rare to find something that's simultaneously better for investors and for fund managers.
17:5228/08/2024
Why now might be the time to bet on emerging markets
Although emerging markets have experienced a tough decade, abrdn senior investment director of emerging markets equities Nick Robinson points out several reasons for investors to be optimistic.Robinson also probes into the importance of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision and potential impact of the US election.
18:2421/08/2024
Four more years with Trump?
With the US presidential election set take place on November 5, investors are bracing for the possibility of another four more years with former president Donald Trump. What does this scenario look like for the markets, global trade, and economies like Australia?Schroders Australia head of multi-asset and fixed income Sebastian Mullins talks us through the possibilities.
12:3614/08/2024
Megatrends impacting financial advice
The financial advice profession has reached a tipping point and a massive shift is taking place, if advisers seize seven megatrends or opportunities. Deloitte Access Economics partner and the report’s co-author John O'Mahoney shares how.
13:0007/08/2024
Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) tranche one in action
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Bill recently passed into law. For financial advisers, what does this really all mean for their day-to-day operations? Mark Bastiaans, the principal financial adviser for AdviceSA, explains what the changes mean for those in the trenches.
17:1031/07/2024
Global asset manager trends
Asset managers' priorities are changing from being concerned about cost management to now being focused on improving the investor experience, according to a recent survey by Northern Trust.Northern Trust head of global fund services in APAC, Caroline Higgins, joined the Financial Standard podcast to deep dive into some industry trends.
11:1824/07/2024
Breaking down the government's final report on ASIC
The Senate Economics Committee recently handed down its final report on the investigation and enforcement capabilities of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).The report made 11 recommendations to overhaul the financial regulator.Clyde & Co corporate and regulatory partner Avryl Lattin speaks to the Financial Standard Podcast about the recommendations and how they might be enacted.
15:3417/07/2024
Financial advice and behavioural finance
Campbell Heggen, a senior Lecturer in Financial Planning at Deakin University Business School, explains why behavioural financial is a powerful tool for advisers to recognise not only their own biases and behaviours, but also their clients' so they can help them make rational and better-informed financial decisions.
12:2310/07/2024
Demystifying hedge funds
When we think of hedge funds, we think high finance, complexity, high risk and high returns. But have hedge funds evolved since they boomed in the 1990s? Managing director, head of liquid markets at bfinance Dr. Toby Goodworth explains.
13:3003/07/2024
The barriers facing wealthy women
High-net-worth women report a number of barriers when it comes to receiving financial advice. They feel frustrated, like there are unnecessary obstacles that get in their way and increased scrutiny. Some even report feeling as though they're treated differently to men, they've been patronised, sometimes not listened to, and pushed out of the conversation. These biases result in a lack of trust between women and the advice industry.
16:0826/06/2024
Building a future proof portfolio
Building a portfolio to accommodate clients through every phase of life can be challenging. Mercer portfolios solutions lead Rebecca Jacques shares her thoughts on how to how to build a portfolio that aligns with client needs.
08:3619/06/2024
The false promise of super for homeownership
Super for housing? Some say it's blatantly obvious from all the evidence available that the policy doesn’t have a snowball’s chance of succeeding in helping prospective homebuyers. More staunch opposition believes the idea that such a policy would help more people enter the housing market is not only false but could also unleash a damaging chain reaction. Misha Schubert from the Super Members Council joins journalist Andrew McKean for this episode of the Financial Standard Podcast.
14:2912/06/2024
Rethinking wholesale investor tests
*Editor’s note: This podcast was recorded prior to a report that the changes are now on pause until the federal election expected to be held in May next year.The 22-year-old wholesale investor tests are up for review, and this can have several implications for investors and product providers.Jesse Hamilton, the chief financial officer of Wilson Asset Management, explains why the tests are 'crude tool' and suggests how they can be fairer for both retail and wholesale investors.
12:5705/06/2024
Foreign investors eye Down Under
Australia is one of the most liveable places in the world. Not only is it a great place to live, but it is also a great country to invest in. Adam Dixon, the head of Kearney Australia and New Zealand, tells why Australia is an investment destination for foreigners.
07:1529/05/2024
The super for housing debate
The Senate Economics Committee recently made a recommendation to lift the cap on how much first home buyers can remove from their super to buy a home. Senator Andrew Bragg joins the Financial Standard podcast to discuss why he believes owning a home is essential for retirement.
12:0522/05/2024
Federal Budget analysis
Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled the Federal Budget this week making big promises to ease the cost-of-living burden while not adding to inflationary pressures. Senior financial market analyst at Capital.com Kyle Rodda explains why the Treasurer may be massaging the numbers.
13:1215/05/2024
Super evolution: Then, now and what’s to come
There will be 25% less super funds in Australia in five years’ time, overseeing $5 trillion in assets. In 25 years, the number of funds will have halved again, and they’ll be the stewards of some $14 trillion. They’re the top-line predictions of Mercer’s inaugural Shaping Super report which looks at the state of our super system, how it’s evolving, and what super funds need to do to survive. Financial Standard managing editor Jamie Williamson is joined by the report’s lead author, Mercer principal Richard Dunn, and superannuation consulting leader Tim Jenkins to discuss the findings.
17:2808/05/2024
The outlook for emerging markets
Emerging markets' second growth phase could be in the not-so-distant future, according to a new report from Robeco. To discuss the three main drivers of growth in the sector, Robeco's head of emerging markets Wim-Hein Pals joins the Financial Standard podcast.
11:1401/05/2024
What are the worrying trends in aged care advice?
Aged Care Steps director Louise Biti is pushing for tougher regulations and consumer protections around aged care advice so that older Australians are not put at substantial risk.
24:3124/04/2024
Crypto replacing gold is ‘straightforward propaganda’
This episode explores a blunt assertion that the idea of cryptocurrency replacing gold is nothing more than straightforward propaganda from the crypto industry. While gold continues to be regarded as a safe haven asset, an insurance policy for rough times, predominantly attracting institutional investors, Bitcoin is portfolio ‘hot sauce’, Global X's David Tuckwell tells Andrew McKean.
13:0817/04/2024
Advisers, retail investors size up private markets
Once the domain of sophisticated investors, Spire Capital director and head of investments Stuart Haigh discusses why private markets are increasingly turning heads among financial advisers and retail clients.
21:1110/04/2024
The great consolidation: The future of Australia's super fund's
Financial Standard journalist Andrew McKean is joined by Deloitte partner Andrew Boal to explore the intense pressure smaller superannuation funds face as larger funds continue to reduce fees through scale, predicting a future dominated by a few giants managing over $100 billion each.
18:5103/04/2024
When will interest rates be cut?
Despite easing inflation, the RBA has been holding interest rates steady and many economists are now anticipating a rate cut won't come until 2025. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham gives his predictions.
10:4427/03/2024
Know your worth: Salary insights 2024
n the second instalment of our chat with Robert Walters’ Andrew Hanson, we discuss all the factors expected to influence salary discussions in the year ahead, the kinds of benefits that are on offer, and how they compare to what candidates actually want. Hanson also shares some top tips for negotiating with existing and prospective employers.
15:0220/03/2024
Farming assets in SMSFs
Journalist Chloe Walker sat down with RSM Australia director, SMSF services Katie Timms at the recent SMSF Association National Conference to discuss the intricacies of incorporating farming assets into an SMSF’s investment strategy.
06:2313/03/2024
The younger generation's retirement roadmap
Class general manager, growth Jo Hurley was inspired to start her own SMSF after attending the very first SMSF Association National Conference. Twenty years later, Hurley discusses the advantages of involving and supporting younger clients with SMSFs, in an interview with journalist Chloe Walker from the sidelines of the 2024 conference.
13:3106/03/2024
Recruitment outlook for 2024
Following on from “one of the strangest years” seen in his 20 years in recruitment, Robert Walters’ NSW managing director Andrew Hanson provides his forecast for the financial services job market. While it’s probably still too early to even be cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, Hanson says there is intent to hire and more positive conversations to be had. This episode looks at the skills that are most in demand, including how important designations are to prospective employers in 2024.
10:2328/02/2024
Active vs. passive strategies: Who leads the pack?
NMG Consulting principal consultant Louise Elliott discusses trends in retail fund flows between 2018 and 2023. Which strategies and asset classes outshone the others and what will the next five years hold?
16:0621/02/2024
Investment themes and opportunities in 2024
This is a new highly complex and dynamic world whereby investors will be challenged to demonstrate clarity and agility. To make sense of this testing environment, Mercer global strategic research director Nick White investigates themes of Regime Change, Supercycles, and Megatrends.
13:2614/02/2024
Precious lessons for investing in diamonds
Diving into the world of diamonds, journalist Chloe Walker chats with fine jewellery expert Adrian Dickens. From the allure of coloured diamonds to navigating the risks inherent in any investment venture, this interview explores the intricacies of investing in the precious stone.
26:3007/02/2024
The year of elections
This year, over 50 nations are heading to the polls. As Australia remains intricately connected to global events, this episode of the Financial Standard podcast, hosted by journalist Chloe Walker and joined by GSFM investment strategy advisor Stephen Miller, delves into the potential impact of these elections' outcomes on financial markets both at home and abroad.
18:3031/01/2024
What new regulation will affect advisers in 2024?
The Financial Advice Association Australia’s Phil Anderson breaks down the most important pieces of regulation advisers should be mindful of in 2024.
18:4124/01/2024
Superannuation: Performance, fees, and the retirement revolution
Australia's wealth management sector is experiencing a thrilling paradox of unparalleled growth and profound disruption. Last year, a record $180 billion flowed into superannuation - predominantly into not-for-profit funds, amidst a landscape of declining fees, and a shift towards becoming a full-fledged retirement system.
12:4817/01/2024
Australia’s luxury real estate gold rush
Knight Frank head of residential research Michelle Ciesielski delves into the surprisingly minimal impact of the government’s decision to triple fees for foreign property buyers. She also explores the resilience of Sydney’s luxury real estate market and uncovers the reasons behind its anticipated robust price growth.
11:1010/01/2024
Mental health in financial services
Employers often struggle with understanding the impact of work on mental health and tend to rely on generic support systems. The focus needs to shift towards designing work that positively influences mental health and providing appropriate support.
19:0503/01/2024
Unpacking the economic impact of Australia's superannuation changes
Incremental increases in the Superannuation Guarantee will have far-reaching impacts on the macroeconomic fabric of Australia – but these consequences are often underexplored – Yarra Capital head of macroeconomics and strategy Tim Toohey says.
14:4927/12/2023
Genetics still testing life sector
Treasury recently launched a consultation on the use of genetic testing results in life insurance underwriting with the aim of addressing concerns with the partial, industry-led moratorium introduced in 2019. A recent review found the moratorium is discouraging consumers from participating in genetic testing, which could identify an underlying health issue, and from taking part in potentially life-changing medical research. At the same time, there's the potential for unhealthy people to be priced out of cover or, on the flip side, healthy individuals to withdraw from life insurance altogether.So, what's the solution, and is government intervention required? Actuaries Institute member Jessica Chen joins the Financial Standard podcast to discuss the various issues and how Australia's approach to genetic testing for insurance purposes compares to global counterparts.
11:2820/12/2023
The outlook for bonds in 2024
After experiencing a bond market downturn and a disappointing performance in 2022, fixed income saw a resurgence in 2023 as investors sought stability amid volatility. However, the question remains whether this trend will continue in 2024.In this episode, Tim Van Klaveren, managing director and head of Australia fixed income at UBS, sheds light on the current market landscape and what to expect in the year ahead.
14:0713/12/2023