In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Shail Singh, lead ombudsman for investments and advice at AFCA, for a deep dive into two of the most complex – and crucial – pillars of financial consumer protection: the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort.

From resolving disputes early and rebuilding client relationships to tackling large-scale cases like Dixon Advisory, Singh sheds light on how AFCA operates and the challenges posed by mounting case volumes.

The discussion also unpacks the role of the CSLR in firm failures, deadline-driven complaint surges, and the often-confusing treatment of self-managed super funds under retail versus wholesale classifications.

Hear about:

• AFCA’s approach to resolving disputes and why early resolution is encouraged.
• The challenges of the CSLR in handling firm failures and complaint deadlines.
• What advisers need to know about SMSF classifications, multi-party disputes, and managing risk.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford sits down with David Berry, inaugural CEO of the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort, to unpack the challenges of protecting investors when financial advice goes wrong.

They discuss high-profile failures like Dixon Advisory, Shield, and First Guardian, and the legislative and regulatory changes needed to ensure the CSLR’s long-term sustainability.

Tune in to hear:

• The complexities of addressing financial firm failures, including Dixon Advisory and United Global Capital.
• Legislative and regulatory improvements that could strengthen the CSLR for the future.
• How transparency and ethical advice are crucial to maintaining trust in the financial advice profession.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Hayes & Co Insurance Services financial adviser Trish Gregory joins host Keith Ford to explain the importance of childhood trauma policies, how they can help parents through a child’s significant health issues and why more advisers should be keeping them top of mind for their clients.

Gregory details the benefits of the somewhat niche policy and what advisers need to know about the relatively straightforward process to set the coverage up, as well as the value of having an expert on hand at claim time.

Tune in to hear:

• Why the ability to transfer a childhood trauma policy to an adult policy with no underwriting can be so valuable.
• The broader issues with fewer financial advisers working in risk advice.
• How advisers who don’t write a lot of risk should lean on insurer’s business development managers.
• Why there needs to be a more transparent system for professional year candidates.