In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Andrew McVeigh, managing partner at Remara, to discuss the growing private credit and real estate investment sectors, as well as the implications of the proposed $3 million super tax on holdings within self-managed super funds.

McVeigh highlights that with private credit experiencing substantial growth as an asset class in Australia and around 300 credit funds available for investment, advisers are facing a range of challenges in seeking to differentiate between these funds, particularly when it comes to liquidity and risk profiles.

Listen as they discuss:

• How different investor demographics are gravitating towards funds that match their risk profile.
• The challenges of providing liquidity with alternative assets and how funds are finding solutions.
• Why many SMSF investors are shifting towards income-generating assets to handle the proposed super changes.

In this week’s episode of Relative Return Insider, hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford take a look at the Reserve Bank’s expectation-defying interest rate hold and whether the move is the start of a fundamental change in the central bank’s approach.

The surprising move left many economists and home owners, as well as Treasurer Jim Chalmers, disappointed and has been described as a significant shift in the RBA’s communication strategy, with RBA governor Michele Bullock explaining the decision was influenced by ongoing concerns about inflation and increasing global uncertainties.

Tune in to hear:

• How economists are recalibrating expectations, with some believing this marks a “new RBA” with limited forward guidance.
• Whether the bank’s inflation concerns are in line with earlier talks of larger rate cuts.
• How US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on copper and pharmaceuticals are adding to global market volatility and uncertainty.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Corey Wastle, CEO of Verse Wealth, to take a deep dive into strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in financial advice, particularly given the shrinking talent pool.

Wastle emphasises the importance of becoming a “destination workplace” where the best people want to work – which requires cultivating a strong culture, focusing on employee autonomy and growth, and being transparent throughout the hiring and employment process.

Listen as they discuss:

• The value of implementing tools like cultural interviews, psychometric testing, and knowledge assessments in the hiring process.
• The importance of supporting career progression and development for all team members.
• Why advice firms shouldn’t consider remuneration a taboo topic.
• What to expect from trends within the advice sector, such as firm consolidation and equity partnerships.

It’s the start of a new financial year, but there are still many uncertainties in the SMSF world. In the latest episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the implications of the upcoming Division 296 legislation, which is set to impact individuals with superannuation balances over $3 million.

As the new financial year kicks off, there is a raft of other topics that SMSF professionals need to pay attention to and plan for the year ahead, and Aaron breaks down all of the areas that deserve a closer look.

Listen as they discuss:

• How a lack of certainty is impacting the sector.
• The continued pushback from a growing cohort of industry bodies.
• The rise in SG and its effect on contribution strategies.
• Timely reviews needed now of investment strategies and estate planning.

In this week’s episode of Relative Return Insider, hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford break down the flurry of activity and announcements since the calendar ticked over to FY2025–26, from ASIC action to super fund results.

Tariff mayhem and swirling volatility in global markets had the prospect of strong super fund returns in doubt just a few months ago, but surging equity markets, high-performing real assets, and strategic portfolio management have helped steady the ship and deliver strong financial year performance.

Tune in to hear:

• The latest on ASIC’s recent activities and its industry funding levy estimate.
• How geopolitical events and market volatility have impacted returns.
• What the funds that have reported so far have to say about diversification, active management, and global positioning strategies.
• Whether CBA’s impressive performance is set to continue or if it will fall back to earth.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by James O’Reilly, financial planner and director of Northeast Wealth, to delve into why advice practices should be conducting an internal review at the end of the financial year, arguing that this is a great time to look at what can be done better.

Efficiency has been a particularly hot topic over the last 12 months and with this in mind, O’Reilly explains that now is a great time to look at where the bottlenecks and pinch points in your advice process might be and make a plan on how to improve them.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why the ATO Portal access is so important for advisers.
• What businesses should be doing to maximise marketing effectiveness.
• How overall team wellbeing can impact the workplace.

In this week’s episode of Relative Return Insider, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver joins the show to explore the major global and domestic forces shaping investment markets in 2025, from ongoing geopolitical tensions and the NATO summit to US President Donald Trump’s trade policy and the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Conflict in the Middle East has had little impact on markets, with much of the focus settling on potential disruptions to oil production that have so far not eventuated. Oliver explains what the flow-on effects of stronger defence spending commitments from NATO nations could be, as well as what to expect from tax policy changes in the US.

Tune in to hear:

• Why section 899 of the One Big Beautiful Bill is causing consternation.
• Whether the better-than-expected inflation data has put another rate cut on the cards.
• How the softer US dollar could impact investment.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Nicole Gardner, founder and financial adviser at Stellar Wealth, to explore how clients react to times of turmoil and whether global events should change investment plans or even their ethical considerations.

As tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer in a very public manner, Gardner explains that clients are now left considering how they feel about the potential of profiting from conflict against their desire for higher investment returns.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why the markets aren’t really reacting to the Israel–Iran conflict.
• How a reliance on passive investing can limit advisers’ flexibility during market upheaval.
• The possible opportunities in volatility.