News

Retirement

Retirees spend less than age pension: report

More than half of Australian retirees are spending less than the age pension each year, raising significant questions about current retirement policy and super fund strategies, new research by Milliman has found.

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Practice Management

Blockchain could underpin SMSFs

Blockchain could potentially act as the underpinning technology for SMSFs and superannuation funds more broadly to consolidate the sectors and reduce costs, according to an SMSF specialist. 

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Auditing

Automated audit tech due diligence urged

The era of unprecedented rapid technological changes will require SMSF auditors to check that any new automated auditing software and systems meet regulatory compliance and auditing standards.

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Accounting

Confusion lingers around tax advice, AFSLs

Tony Negline

Accountants are calling for certainty on the interplay between the Corporations Act tax agents’ exemption, limited Australian financial services licences (AFSL) and full AFSLs, according to Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand superannuation leader Tony Negline. 

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Regulation

Designations are not qualifications: FASEA

A besuited man stands at a crossroads.

Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) chief executive Deen Sanders has made it explicitly clear financial adviser designations and experience do not equate to qualifications under the new education and professional standards framework for advisers.

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Investments

Investing in TBC world requires attention

Building pension portfolios in the context of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap (TBC) regime is an issue advisers will need to start considering for their clients.

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Accounting

Unlicensed accountants monitoring results to be released

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has revealed it will publish results from its surveillance into accountants operating without a limited Australian financial services licence in the coming weeks.

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ATO

Excess TBC incidents expected to be low: ATO

The ATO has issued a small number of excess transfer balance cap (TBC) determinations to SMSFs that have lodged a transfer balance account report (TBAR) however is not anticipating this number to escalate.

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Accounting

Accountants, planners working in silos

There is still significant reluctance for accountants and financial planners to communicate with each other when servicing clients due to a mutual lack of respect between the professions, a panel has been told.

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Business News

SMSFA commends AFCA establishment

The SMSF Association has strongly supported the official creation of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), labelling it a significant step in protecting the rights of all SMSF members.

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