Delving into investments to foster a positive impact goes beyond simply pursuing profits. Australian Ethical Chief Executive, superannuation Ross Piper explains the advantages of responsible investing and how his career shaped his perspective on impact investment.

In the final episode of our series on investing in small and mid-cap stocks, MFS Investment Management portfolio manager Mike Grossman explains why active management is so important in this asset class and what it is exactly that his team looks for when analysing the more than 7500 names in the universe.Proudly brought to you by MFS Investment Management.

With a belief that investing in small and mid-cap stocks is akin to deep sea fishing, MFS Investment Management portfolio manager Mike Grossman discusses where opportunities can be found in the asset class, even sharing his tips on emerging sectors and the companies that may soon lead them.Proudly brought to you by MFS Investment Management.

Considering macroeconomic conditions, exploring investment opportunities in global small and mid-cap markets holds appeal for investors. MFS Investment Management portfolio manager Nicholas Paul returns this week to discuss the performance of the asset class in the current cycle and what can be expected going forward. Proudly brought to you by MFS Investment Management.

First Australians Capital is set to debut its Catalytic Capital Impact Fund in the first quarter of next year. The impact led fund is dedicated to empowering Indigenous-led businesses, and the organisation's managing partners Benson Saulo and Brian Wyborn tell Financial Standard all about the fund and how discussions with various institutions are progressing, as one particular business commits to providing capital.

In recent years, small to mid-cap stocks have witnessed a surge in popularity, outperforming their larger counterparts. Despite many investors preferring well-established and major companies, it is mid to small-cap stocks that present additional advantages, such as diversification and reduced risk. MFS Investment Management portfolio manager Nick Paul sits down with Financial Standard to explore the global small to mid-cap universe and explains what makes these assets an exciting addition to client portfolios.Proudly brought to you by MFS Investment Management.

The 2023 Hollywood strike has gone over the 100 day mark and has not only impacted film and television content but also caused issues for those who invest in the sector. GSFM chief executive Damien McIntyre joins Financial Standard to discuss the repercussions beyond the screen. 

The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict has resulted in a gradual increase in oil prices over the past two weeks. While the market has not yet experienced a significant surge, there are clear concerns about the growing tensions and further escalations. AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina joins Financial Standard to discuss the impacts of further volatility and the likelihood of fallout spilling beyond the oil sector.

The recent bond market turbulence witnessed a significant surge in 30-year UK gilt yields, while US government bond yields experienced record-level sell-offs. In fact, the US Treasury Index has been down for three years in a row now - a never before seen occurrence. In this episode of the Financial Standard podcast, Payden & Rygel portfolio manager Eric Souders delves into the continued relevance of bonds in investors’ portfolios. 

The requirement to pay superannuation contributions alongside wages will come into effect in 2026, and is predicted to add around $55,000 to Australians' balances at retirement. Independent consultant and advisor Stephen Huppert speaks to Financial Standard about what the change involves and if the industry is ready. 

Real estate investment trusts have experienced substantial fluctuations in recent times, influenced by a combination of factors including increased interest rates, the post-pandemic landscape, and inflated asset values. SG Hiscock director and portfolio manager Grant Berry joins Financial Standard to discuss the present and future state of the market. 

The Australian landscape is like no other and our agri-sector is expanding with opportunities underpinned by both government and institutional investment. In this episode of the Financial Standard podcast, Kilter Rural general manager of farmland Angus Ingram shares how caring for our unique land adds value to investment portfolios. 

The evolving financial advice landscape in Australia is being shaped by technological advancements and a declining number of financial advisers. Finura Group joint managing director Peter Worn joins Financial Standard to discuss how the influx of new digital services will impact the future of advice. #financialstandard #cassandrabaldiniSubscribe: Click here to choose your favourite podcasting appContact Us: [email protected]: https://www.financialstandard.com.auThe 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.

The annual superannuation performance test results were released recently, including trustee-directed products for the first time. Willis Towers Watson director of investments Jonathan Grigg joins Financial Standard shares his insights as to the results, what we can expect going forward, and just how far the test’s scope should be expanded.

Fear is in the air for many experts as China’s economic growth chokes and the economy experiences deflation. However, Fidelty International investment director Catherine Yeung says investors shouldn’t lose sight of the broader context and potential for long-term investment opportunities in China. Tune in to find out more.

Bigger, older, hotter, richer, more diverse, less productive - that's the Australia of 2063. Today, we sit down with Rainmaker Information executive director of research Alex Dunnin to find out more about the government's latest Intergenerational Report. 

It's no secret Australia's population is ageing, and the superannuation industry is being called to effectively manage the influx of retirees over the next decade. However, cautionary calls from governmental and regulatory bodies say the sector isn't ready. Senior journalist Cassandra Baldini sits down with KPMG superannuation advisory partner Melinda Howes, who explains where the industry is at and what still needs to be done to ensure all Australians retire with dignity.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced a reshuffle of its processes and management team to take place next year but the extent of their impact and whether they will influence the bank's forward decision-making in any way is yet to be determined. Independent economist Nicki Hutley joins Financial Standard to share what she believes we can expect.#financialstandard #cassandrabaldiniSubscribe: Click here to choose your favourite podcasting appContact Us: [email protected]: https://www.financialstandard.com.auThe 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.

Endeavours to enhance financial literacy across the nation remain a significant task. This is specifically relevant for Australia's Indigenous population, who continue to grapple with elevated levels of financial stress and lack of financial stability. First Nations Foundation chief executive Phil Usher joins Financial Standard to discuss the organisation's mission to enhance financial wellbeing within Indigenous communities and how the industry can contribute to fostering improved future outcomes.#financialstandard #cassandrabaldiniSubscribe: Click here to choose your favourite podcasting appContact Us: [email protected]: https://www.financialstandard.com.auThe 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.

In today’s tumultuous investment landscape, the asset management industry faces a host of challenges. In this episode, Northern Trust Asset Servicing president of asset servicing Pete Cherecwich discusses how asset managers are facing adversity with optimism and navigating challenges for growth.

The acknowledged housing crisis in Australia has led to the emergence of build-to-rent schemes as a potential solution. While such initiatives have garnered interest from super funds, they may not directly address the needs of those most in need. HOPE Housing chief executive Tim Buskens joins Financial Standard to discuss alternative co-investment solutions that look to tackle the growing problem with a more meaningful approach. 

The nature and severity of cyber-attacks is constantly evolving, posing a significant risk for the financial services industry which holds some of the most sensitive data of all. Government and regulators remain committed to initiatives that bolster internal cybersecurity practices, but whether these measures will be able to prevent data breaches remains uncertain, EY Asia Pacific financial services cybersecurity leader Rohit Rao tells Financial Standard.

Demand for financial advice practices is surging following a squeeze in property supply that had led to market shortages, increasing valuations between 6-11%. In particular, buyers are snapping up life insurance practices as soon as they hit the market following a drop in risk advisers and a lack of newly established firms. As the advice sector starts to recover following years of uncertainty, Radar Results chief executive John Birt joins Financial Standard to discuss reasons behind the shifts and the outlook for practice valuations.

Super funds appear to have bounced back with the surge in equities boosting MySuper products, delivering starkly different returns to just 12 months ago. Rainmaker Information executive director of research Alex Dunnin joins Financial Standard to discuss why the industry is so robust despite the current macroeconomic climate and if the good fortune will last. 

Following the government's update to the annual superannuation performance test, industry feedback has been varied and some are saying there is still work to do. Industry Super Australia deputy chief executive Matthew Linden joins Financial Standard to discuss the positives to come from the reforms and the things that remain on the wish list.

Australia's superannuation sector is set to be given a larger role in making financial advice more affordable following the passing of 14 out of the 22 recommendations from the Quality of Advice Review. Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia deputy chief executive Glenn McCrea joins Financial Standard to discuss the proposed reforms, how to best navigate conflicts of interest, and whether super funds are ready.

As we come to the close of another financial year, BT Financial Group technical consultant Tim Howard joins Financial Standard to discuss the big themes for financial advisers and their clients this EOFY. 

Last year saw value stocks wake from a decade-long slumber, rallying significantly. However, as interest rates soared a new favourite was crowned. BlackRock head of investment strategy APAC Thomas Taw joins Financial Standard to unpack the market rotation.

Earlier in the week, US lawmakers struck a tentative deal to raise the debt ceiling. The decision was imperative to avoid a national default disaster however, some believe it's just pushing the can further down the road. AMP Capital's chief economist Shane Oliver joins Financial Standard to discuss the agreement and what the event means for Australia. 

It’s been a challenging period for investors looking to shelter from inflation and high interest rates. Stockspot founder and chief executive Chris Brycki speaks to Financial Standard about investment trends and client concerns that are dominating while the globe braces for a potential recession.

AustralianSuper’s breach around intra-fund consolidation has led to consumer advocates calling for regulatory action and greater transparency within the superannuation industry. Holding Redlich partner superannuation Luke Hooper joins Financial Standard to discuss the necessity for tighter rules and what that might look like if implemented. 

The government's budget, handed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, has received some mixed reviews and backlash from stakeholders who believe certain opportunities were missed.HLB Mann Judd wealth management partner Michael Hutton joins Financial Standard to discuss some of the key points and weighs in on proposals he believes need more work.

The RBA's surprise rate rise has left a bad taste in the mouths of Australians who feel another so soon is uncalled for. Commonwealth Bank head of Australian economics joins Financial Standard to discuss the possible impacts of the rate call and also offers insight into what to expect from next week’s federal budget.

In this podcast, The Advisers Association chief executive Neil Macdonald discusses the newly proposed regulatory changes to financial advisers’ experience pathway. What will the proposals mean for the financial advice profession?

ESG has taken the financial services industry by storm and held a microscope up to greenwashing and climate disclosure.Regulators are strengthening their approach and legislative pressure has companies across the globe feeling the heat.FS Sustainability managing director Rachel Alembakis talks to Financial Standard about ESG investing, worldwide initiatives and what firms can expect if caught falsely reporting.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's decision this month to pause cash rate hikes was welcome relief for struggling Aussies. However, it's already been signalled that given economic instability more hikes are likely in store. HSBC chief economist Australia and New Zealand Paul Bloxham was among those that correctly predicted the RBA's decision. He speaks to Financial Standard about the central bank's major considerations ahead of next month's meeting, what's likely to occur over the next year, and what it all might mean for the upcoming federal budget. 

It's official, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) have merged to create the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA). Amid the transition, chief executive of the new entity Sarah Abood, joins Financial Standard to discuss the association's upcoming initiatives, why the merger is beneficial for industry and how the FAAA plans to support the future of Australian advisers. 

The threat of cyber-attacks is growing and they're becoming more sophisticated with each attempt. With a super fund the latest to fall victim to hackers, everyone is looking to strengthen their defences. Horizon Government Relations managing partner Carl Ungerer speaks to Financial Standard about the 21st-century plague, who's behind it and what's to come, and how financial service providers should be responding. 

We talk to Council of Australian Life Insurers chief executive, Christine Cupitt, who was appointed in early 2023 to spearhead advocacy and policy initiatives for the local life insurance sector.

Following the crash of Silicon Valley Bank, all eyes have been on the US banking system. Now, what’s trying to be understood is how it happened and if the contagion will spread. Texas State University Associate Professor of Finance William Chittenden talks to Financial Standard and provides clarity on recent events while explaining if more regional slumps are likely and if we can expect global fallout. 

Diversity is playing an important role in boosting superannuation fund members’ balances in retirement following new research that reveals women-led MySuper products outperforming by a consistent 0.3% per annum over three, five and 10 years.Rainmaker Information research manager Pooja Antil joins Financial Standard on International Women’s Day to talk through the findings. 

Labor’s recently announced objective of superannuation highlights the importance of ensuring the system is equitable, yet there’s no mention of women in its proposals. At the same time, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has softly committed to paying super contributions on paid parental leave but gave no indication of when. So is the government really targeting equity? Rainmaker Information executive director of research Alex Dunnin speaks to Financial Standard about the proposals and what, if any, benefit there will be to women. 

Following Labor’s proposed objective of superannuation, QMV Legal managing partner Jonathan Steffanoni speaks to Financial Standard and explains what a legislated objective really means for industry and Australians.

Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) chief executive Phil Anderson talks to Financial Standard about industry feedback on the Quality of Advice Review (QAR) final proposals and discusses some of the hottest debated topics.

Three times as many Australian advisers are now using managed accounts to implement client solutions compared to just a decade ago. State Street ETF model portfolio strategist Sinead Schaffer talks to Financial Standard and explains the upward trend and if it's here to stay.

What can financial advisers expect in terms of salary and remuneration in 2023? Vivere chief executive Christopher Gordon provides Financial Standard with a recruitment update, highlighting market trends and guidance on what a shrinking pool of advisers means for those left standing. 

Join Vanguard’s senior economist Alexis Gray as she takes a deep dive into domestic economic conditions and market outlooks, providing actionable insights for financial advisers to position their clients for success.

Any way you slice it, fixed income has had a bad year in 2022. However, Schroders deputy head of fixed income Kellie Wood says better fixed income returns are ahead, and the asset class will retain its strong strategic value in portfolios.