In this special two-part episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a selection of prominent industry members at the SMSF Association National Conference in Melbourne.

In part one, SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess and Class CEO Tim Steele join the show to talk about the thought leadership breakfast on the first day of the conference, the growth of the SMSF sector, and the major issues impacting professionals.

Phil Broderick, principal at Sladen Legal, also joins the show to break down the considerations when advising clients on which type of investment structure they should use depending on their personal circumstances and goals.

Finally, Shelley Banton, head of technical at ASF Audits, covers the thorny subject of business real property and the difficulties that auditors can have in determining whether an investment meets the criteria or if a member is trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

On this episode of Relative Return Unplugged, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by AMP’s chief economist Shane Oliver to break down the Reserve Bank of Australia’s long anticipated rate cut to 4.1 per cent.

Is the central bank being overly cautious? What does this mean for inflation, the job market, and future rate moves? Tune in as the pair unpacks the economic and political implications of the decision – and what lies ahead for interest rates in 2025.

Listen as they discuss:

• The election timing speculation and economic uncertainties shaping the RBA’s decisions.
• Whether the RBA will continue easing, and when.
• The impact of the bank’s new two-board system on future monetary policy decisions.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by the chief executive of WT Financial Group, Keith Cullen, to break down the government’s adviser education reform announcement, and why the profession needs to be pragmatic about the pathways to bring in new advisers.

Cullen explains why he sees opening up financial advice to a wider range of degrees is vital, and the importance of maintaining the appropriate additional requirements, such as completing the adviser exam, professional year, and CPD training.

Listen as they discuss:

• What advisers can expect from the upcoming federal election.
• How the next tranche of DBFO is tracking and the measures it needs to get right.
• Why the government needs to stop its constant meddling in the super system.

It’s already been a hectic first few weeks of the year in the SMSF sector with legislative changes and political manoeuvring. In this week’s SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn delve into what has happened and what may transpire in the coming months.

They’re joined by Daniel Butler, director of DBA Lawyers, to talk about the complexities of investing in rental properties within SMSFs, the considerations advisers need to keep in mind, and the impact of various state taxes on property investment.

With a burgeoning interest in property as a significant asset class within SMSFs, Butler highlights the nuances and challenges trustees face.

Listen as they discuss:

• Investment trends in SMSFs.
• Key considerations of commercial v residential property.
• Regulatory and tax implications.
• The challenges of property management.
• The evolving tax landscape.

In this episode of Relative Return Unplugged, hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford, along with special guest Liam Garman, break down the economic landscape ahead of the Reserve Bank’s highly anticipated first rate call of 2025.

With two major banks already dropping rates on some fixed mortgage offerings, the consensus that the RBA will lower interest rates for the first time in more than four years has grown even stronger.

We explore the factors driving this solidified view and whether there is likely to be a considerable change in property prices on the back of a cut, as well as how the move would impact other asset classes.

Tune in to hear:

• How sticky US inflation and President Donald Trump’s tariffs are going to affect the American, global and Australian economies.
• Why Australia is in a good position to avoid the worst of a potential global trade war.
• How the RBA’s decision on rates could impact the federal election.

In this episode of Relative Return, host Laura Dew chats with David Russell, chair of the Transition Pathway Initiative, and Tony Campos, head of sustainable investment at FTSE Russell, about the intricacies of climate investment.

Listen as they discuss:

• How climate investment is becoming a mainstream concern.
• A trend towards transition-focused investing for a low-carbon economy.
• The partnership between FTSE Russell and the TPI.
• TPI’s role in evaluating a company’s carbon performance.
• Further plans, including exploring performance by private companies.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by the founder of The Cyber Collective, Fraser Jack, to discuss how technological advancements have impacted the cyber security space and the doubled-edged sword of AI.

Reflecting on the evolving landscape of cyber security, Jack emphasised the importance of creating resilient businesses that can withstand and recover quickly from attacks as despite best efforts, attacks still can occur.

Listen as he discusses:

• How third-party providers can increase cyber risk.
• Why leaders’ knowledge is crucial to protecting the business.
• The consistent vulnerability of human error.

In this episode of Relative Return Unplugged, hosts Maja Garaca Djurdjevic and Keith Ford, along with special guest Steve Kuper, discuss a whirlwind start to US President Donald Trump’s second term that all but kicked off a trade war.

We explore the lay of the land following a flurry of executive orders, abrupt policy changes, and escalating tensions that seem to have no clear end in sight. The tariffs on Canada and Mexico are paused for now, but China did not experience the same sudden reversal.

Trump’s leadership style has so far led to volatility in global markets as investors grapple with the significant uncertainty and a potential market correction on the horizon.

Tune in to hear:

• The case for tariffs as bargaining chips and if this is ultimately a chaotic approach to diplomacy.
• Whether volatility is here to stay as a feature of Trump’s presidency.
• What kind of flow-on impact tariffs could have on the Australian economy.