FPA backs removal of stamping fees One of the last remaining vestiges of commission-based remuneration, stamping fees, should be removed, according to the Financial Planning Association. For more.

SMSF Association backs anti-hawking draft legislation The draft legislation would be able to prevent property spruikers using self-managed superannuation funds in a one-stop shop, the SMSF Association believes. For more.

Australia’s top female portfolio managers to be recognised Money Management has named five women as finalists for its inaugural Female Portfolio Manager of the Year Award. For more.

Draft legislation to allow voluntary contributions without work test The government has looked to increase flexibility in how Australians save as they transition to retirement with draft legislation allowing people aged 65 and 66 to make voluntary contributions without meeting the work test. For more.

Is it a good time for investors to turn to the defensives? At the time of market turmoil investors and financial advisers tend to turn to defensive strategies, according to RARE Infrastructure. For more.

Clime launches SMA portfolios Clime Investment Management has announced the launch of separately managed account investment portfolios for self-directed investors. For more.

Westpac announces board changes John McFarlane will be the new chair of the Westpac board while current chair, Lindsay Maxsted, and board member, Anita Fung, will retire. For more.

Integrity Life CEO to retire Integrity Life’s chief executive, Chris Powell will retire and the firm’s chief financial officer will step into the role while the board looks for his successor. For more.

Slow and steady? Outsider had a good chuckle when he was sedately walking down George St in Sydney and saw a large advertisement covering the side of one of the city’s brand-new trams, excuse me, light rail. For more.

From the corner office to the corner jail cell It is well known there are bad apples in financial services and Outsider is always delighted when the appropriate punishment is meted out. For more.

Is FASEA imposing water torture? Outsider knows that advisers have had to jump through hoops since the Royal Commission, especially the new education requirements. For more.