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Home / Author: Maree Pallisco

Maree Pallisco

New role for outcomes test and member goals

Recent regulatory proposals expand the existing scale test to an outcomes test by determining annually whether the fund’s MySuper products are meeting the clients’ best interests. Similar tests can apply to SMSFs.

Super funds need a member engagement makeover

The top priority for all superannuation funds is improving member engagement, but most need to improve their techniques. It's one way to reduce the leakage of members, especially to SMSFs.

Cost of life insurance will rise significantly

Superannuation members have been getting a great deal, but this is clearly not sustainable, and many superannuation funds are finding their insurance premiums rising significantly.

Technology advances key to improving delivery of intra-fund advice

Revolution in the application of technology to the delivery of financial advice, in all its different forms, is critical if the issues around quality and access are to be meaningfully addressed.

Super reforms not nearly enough

The recent superannuation reforms were just tinkering around the edges of Australia’s retirement savings system challenges. We need far more radical policy changes if our nation is to survive its demographic time bomb.

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Investing

Designing a life, with money to spare

Are you living your life by default or by design? It strikes me that many people are doing the former and living according to others’ expectations of them, leading to poor choices including with their finances.

Investment strategies

A closer look at defensive assets for turbulent times

After the recent market slump, it's a good time to brush up on the defensive asset classes – what they are, why hold them, and how they can both deliver on your goals and increase the reliability of your desired outcomes.

Financial planning

Are lifetime income streams the answer or just the easy way out?

Lately, there's been a push by Government for lifetime income streams as a solution to retirement income challenges. We run the numbers on these products to see whether they deliver on what they promise.

Shares

Is it time to buy the Big Four banks?

The stellar run of the major ASX banks last year left many investors scratching their heads. After a recent share price pullback, has value emerged in these banks, or is it best to steer clear of them?

Investment strategies

The useful role that subordinated debt can play in your portfolio

If you’re struggling to replace the hybrid exposure in your portfolio, you’re not alone. Subordinated debt is an option, and here is a guide on what it is and how it can fit into your investment mix.

Shares

Europe is back and small caps there offer significant opportunities

Trump’s moves on tariffs, defence, and Ukraine, have awoken European Governments after a decade of lethargy. European small cap manager, Alantra Asset Management, says it could herald a new era for the continent.

Shares

Lessons from the rise and fall of founder-led companies

Founder-led companies often attract investors due to leaders' personal stakes and long-term vision. But founder presence alone does not guarantee success, and the challenge is to identify which ones will succeed in the long term.

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