In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Andrew Saikal-Skea, founder of Saikal-Skea Independent Financial Advice, to discuss the value of providing completely independent advice and how it can help remove the invisible barrier that even the perception of third-party influence can create.

Saikal-Skea also breaks down how this focus on independence and being self-licensed, along with a specialisation in helping military personnel both while serving and as they transition, has led to another niche – providing global advisory services to clients in a range of foreign jurisdictions.

Listen as they discuss:

• The complexity of working with clients living overseas and the unique challenges different countries present.
• How specialising in specific client demographics or financial situations allows advisers to develop deep expertise and ensure clients receive the most appropriate and tailored advice.
• Why it’s vital to bridge the gap between providing quality financial advice and servicing everyday Australians.

The latest episode of Relative Return sees host Laura Dew chat with Richard Ivers and Mike Younger, co-portfolio managers at Prime Value Asset Management, on their newly launched Microcap Fund and opportunities in small and mid-cap shares.

Listen as they discuss:

• Small-cap opportunities presented by the macroeconomic environment.
• How Prime Value mitigates the risk of early-stage investment.
• Its new Microcap Fund and benefits of these companies.
• Sectors where the firm is seeing positive traction.
• How small-cap equities can fit in a client’s portfolio.

In this week’s episode of Relative Return Insider, hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford dive into the week's top news, from investors remaining blasé about tariff announcements to bitcoin surging and unemployment numbers.

Markets appear to have stopped reacting to US President Donald Trump’s tariff updates as the steady stream of changes, deferrals, and new sectors being hit have dulled the impact. But are investors simply boiling frogs that haven’t realised the temperature is heating up?

Tune in to hear:

• What the new unemployment numbers could mean for the upcoming rate decision – and the last one.
• How bitcoin is booming and whether the US$200,000 mark could be hit this year.
• Why misleading reporting about the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort and fund failures is harmful for impacted investors.

The increase of the transfer balance cap from $1.9 million to $2 million is not as simple to understand as it seems. In this SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the implications of the TBC rise implemented at the start of the new financial year with industry stalwart David Busoli.

While this shift appears straightforward, it brings complexities, particularly for existing pensioners, due to the intricacies of proportional indexation. Busoli explains how proportional indexation is a critical concept in understanding how the TBC affects individuals and how, for people just starting their pension phase, the indexation process presents several challenges.

Listen as they discuss:

• The necessity for accurate data to ensure proper management of transfer balance accounts.

• Broader implications of the TBC changes, including the impact on non-concessional contributions.

• The ongoing challenges within the SMSF sector, particularly in managing the intricacies of the transfer balance cap and ensuring accurate reporting.

• Division 7A and its implications for limited recourse borrowing arrangements within SMSFs.

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.