Financial Standard Podcast

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 a...

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 #cassandr...

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...

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 grow...

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 servic...

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 uncertaint...

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...

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 Standar d 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 fa...

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&n...

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...

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 pro...

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 fal...