As Invest Blue looks to quadruple its client base to 60,000 Australians, managing director David Stephen says outsourcing is helping it achieve these growth aspirations and allowing advisers to focus on high-value tasks.

ASIC has released its annual report for the 2023–24 financial year, recording a 43 per cent year-on-year rise in alleged misconduct reports.

National advice firm Wealth Architects has acquired regional advice firm PKF in Tamworth as part of its strategy to provide financial advice to regional communities.

Australian Ethical Investment has appointed a new head of private markets to lead its infrastructure debt fund and private markets portfolio.

Investment and advice complaints to AFCA dropped by over a quarter in FY24, but inappropriate advice remains the most prevalent complaint afflicting the sector.

Financial advisers are likely to see their next levy for the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort exceed the subsector cap of $20 million.

The regulator has cancelled the AFSL and credit licence of liquidated Ultiqa Lifestyle Promotions following a $19,000 unpaid AFCA determination that was paid by the CSLR.

With more women aged 35–50 engaged in their finances and investments than ever, the cohort is a growing demographic for financial advice firms to work with, writes Nina Kazmierczak.