The $3 million super tax has been headline news around the country over the past couple of weeks and has finally made the front pages of the mainstream media. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn highlight a critical aspect of the debate that has captured the media’s attention: the difference between the perception and the reality of the implications of the Division 296 tax.

Listen as they discuss:

• The misconceptions and a lack of understanding about the legislation's nuances.
• The political dynamics surrounding Div 296 and its complexities.
• The broader implications of Div 296, particularly its potential impact on estate planning and family businesses.
• The need for advisers to play a crucial role in guiding clients through the complexities of the new tax laws.

In this week’s episode of Relative Return Insider, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver joins the show to break down the Reserve Bank’s recent decision to cut interest rates to their lowest level since early 2023, and how it highlights a notable pivot in the central bank’s stance.

Oliver also explores the ripple effects of unpredictable US tariff policies, bond market volatility, and the evolving role of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin amid fiscal uncertainty, as well as the different scenarios facing the Australian and global economies.

Tune in to hear:

• Why the RBA’s dovish pivot signals a deeper concern for growth over inflation.
• How US trade policy unpredictability could drag on Australia’s outlook.
• Why unemployment risks are now central to RBA’s monetary strategy.
• Whether there is value in viewing bitcoin as a hedge amid concerns over US debt sustainability.

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Fraser Jack, founder of The Cyber Collective, to delve into the longstanding issue of giving financial advisers access to the ATO portal and why the Tax Office might be hesitant to open the door.

Jack also touched on the CPS 230 regulation, which will come into force on 1 July, explaining that advisers will be under even heavier scrutiny from APRA-regulated entities to ensure their cyber security is up to their new standards.

Listen as they discuss:

• How advisers can shore up their cyber security in preparation for ATO portal access.
• What can be learned from the recent attacks on superannuation funds.
• Why advisers should be discussing cyber security with their clients.

In the latest episode of Relative Return, host Laura Dew chats with Haran Karunakaran, fixed income investment director at Capital Group, to discuss why fixed income solutions are back in the spotlight of client portfolios for advisers.

Listen as they discuss:

• The reversal of adviser sentiment towards fixed income.
• The current fixed income market environment and the impact of US President Donald Trump.
• How portfolio allocations can be adapted in the event of a recession.
• A granular approach to fixed income allocations.
• What advisers should consider when selecting a fixed income fund.

Disclaimer:
Investment involves risk. Statements attributed to an individual represent the opinions of that individual as of the date published and may not necessarily reflect the view of Capital Group or its affiliates. This communication is of a general nature, and not intended to provide investment, tax or other advice, or to be a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. All information is as at the date indicated and attributed to Capital Group unless otherwise stated. While Capital Group uses reasonable efforts to obtain information from third-party sources that it believes to be accurate, this cannot be guaranteed. Capital Group is represented in Australia by Capital Group Investment Management Limited (ACN 164 174 501 AFSL No. 443 118).

In this week’s episode of Relative Return Insider, Financial Services Council CEO Blake Briggs joins the show to break down what the federal election and new-look Treasury portfolio mean for the financial services industry.

Briggs explains that Dr Daniel Mulino enters the financial services minister role with a suite of policies announced under his predecessor but not yet completed, stressing the importance of taking a deliberative approach that would allow Mulino to put his own stamp on the portfolio while continuing the reform process.

Listen as they discuss:

• The importance of stakeholders engaging constructively with the government on financial services reform.
• Why the $3 million super tax remains a contentious issue, and the need to rethink its design.
• Where the Coalition will look for economic policy in the wake of its heavy election loss.

In this episode of Relative Return, host Laura Dew chats with Andrew Lockhart, managing partner at Metrics Credit Partners, about the case for private debt, a fast-growing asset class gaining attention from advisers.

Listen as they discuss:

• The role private debt can play in a diversified portfolio.
• ASIC’s recent private markets report and potential implications.
• How Metrics mitigates possible risks to investors.
• The characteristics of private debt in Australia versus global exposure.
• The factors to consider when selecting a private debt fund.

With Labor winning the election with a clear majority, the SMSF sector is now once again poised for battle over the controversial Division 296 tax.

In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn sit down with SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess to talk about the implications of the election results, what it may mean going forward, and the association’s plans to convince the elected politicians on the adverse outcomes of the tax.

The podcast will also delve into the latest draft DBFO legislation and how the proposed changes may affect advisers specialising in SMSFs.

Listen as they discuss:

• The election results and the impacts it will have on legislation.
• Time frames for the legislative process.
• Strategies going forward in lobbying the government.
• The DBFO draft legislation.

In this week’s episode of Relative Return Insider, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver joins the show to unpack the political and economic implications of the Labor’s sweeping election victory and how much the Liberal Party’s economic strategy played a role in the wipeout.

Oliver suggests the result reflects a rejection of extremism and a renewed appetite for centrist governance, potentially giving Labor the room to pursue more ambitious reforms in areas like taxation and productivity.

Tune in to hear:

• How avoiding a Labor–Greens minority government has reassured investors.
• Why the Coalition suffered from a campaign full of confused messaging and unpopular policies.
• The effect of flip-flopping trade policies in the US on business confidence.
• Expectations for interest rate cuts are expected over the rest of 2025.