The ifa Show

Hosted by Prime Creative Media

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Episodes

329

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

The ifa Show is your guide to the stories behind the headlines in financial advice. Join the ifa team as they discuss the latest developments in the advice sector. www.ifa.com.au

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60 recent

September 2, 202634 min

Flaws in the PY fuelling young talent retention challenge

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Alex Burke is joined by Marin Wealth financial adviser Hannah Elliot t o break down her time as a P rofessional Year (PY) adviser and her frustrations with the lack of guidance in the process . Hannah explains why the lack of structure in the P rofessional Year made it a more stressful process and the impact this is having on smaller practices struggling to retain emerging talent. Listen as they discuss: How shadowing advisers is the best experience a PY can get on the job . Why a lack of structure can lead to PYs being perceived as liabilities for firms . The importance of financial literacy and how it can be raised through social media .

August 26, 202630 min

Understanding fixed income ETFs opportunities in a shifting environment

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Alex Burke speaks with Kanish Chugh, the head of ETF sales at PIMCO, about how changes to tax regulations and the global market environment in recent years have triggered a move away from the traditional 60/40 portfolio and shifted how advisers are utilising fixed income assets and ETFs . Kanish ex plores how advisers should be thinking about fixed income ETF s within their clients' portfolios, as well as diving into the case for active management in a space where investors are leaning more toward passive strategies. Listen as they discuss: How the phasing out of bank hybrids is impacting strategies. The benefit of ETFs for self-managed super funds . Opportunities for advisers in fixed income ETFs.

August 18, 202633 min

Breaking down the FSC's policy proposals

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Alex Burke speaks with Blake Briggs, chief executive of the Financial Services Council, about proposals put forward in professional body's recent white paper of the future of advice licensing. Blake explains the rationale be hind the proposals aimed at making advice more sustainable, as well as addressing the industry's response to the $25,000 levy for each Australian Financial Services licensee as proposed by the FSC. Listen as they discuss: What measures could be put in place to enhance compliance and reduce the CSLR costs. How the influx in capital is driving consolidation across advice. Why it's important for professional associations to work together on advocacy initiatives.

August 2, 202617 min

The missing link in retirement advice

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Alex Burke talks to Challenger's general manager retirement distribution, Adrian Aardoom, about Australia's retirement income system and advisers' role in it. Adrian discusses the diminishing levels of retirement confidence across the country, the typical flaws in how Australians think about retirement and the ways in which the traditional advice process makes retirement income conversations needlessly difficult. Tune in to hear: The key factors driving the decline in retirement confidence What's missing or left out of traditional approaches to retirement modelling The ideal time for advisers to introduce the retirement income conversation

June 30, 202656 min

Avoiding the AI trap

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Alex Burke talks to Marshan Consulting director Ben Marshan about AI in advice: where it works, what the risks are and how advisers can use it without running afoul of ASIC or the OAIC. Ben discusses the rapid evolution of AI tools and the novel risks they introduce, particularly with regards to advisers' privacy obligations. He also explains the principles of responsible AI use recently introduced by the Financial Planning Standards Board and the ASIC letter that stopped him in his tracks. Tune in to hear: Why AI adoption requires thorough testing and ongoing training A case study about what not to do when using AI in advice What ASIC wants practices to focus on when developing AI policy

May 6, 202657 min

Breaking down the state of advice

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Nathan Fradley of Fradley Advice to take a look at all of the big topics that are impacting the financial advice profession, from AI and data security to AML/CTF and the CSLR. Nathan breaks down why AI is both a powerful tool and worthy of some scepticism, how some of the change flowing through the sector is going to change the way that advisers work with their clients, and whether the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes reforms will improve how the profession operates. Tune in to hear: Why data security is a vital consideration despite some links in the chain falling short. Whether there is any way to fix the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort to serve its intended purpose. Why, despite cost, levies and reform fatigue, financial advice is still a great career.

April 30, 202638 min

Making the shift from product provider to running an advice firm

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Keith Ford speaks with Charlotte O'Meara, general manager of Falcon Financial Advisers, about her move away from her former role as head of responsible investment at Challenger to running an advice practice. Charlotte unpacks the differences between being on the product provider side of the financial services sector and the advice side, how her understanding of client needs has evolved, and the expertise she can transfer across. Tune in to hear: How Falcon is planning to accelerate its growth strategy with the "Falcon engine". What the biggest challenges of shifting to a whole new side of the industry are. How the firm is applying better processes, technology, and structured pathways for the next generation of advisers.

April 23, 20261 hr 6 min

Education reform, CSLR options and avoiding fund failures

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Keith Ford speaks with FAAA general manager of policy, advocacy and standards Phil Anderson about the spate of consultations that the government is undertaking in the financial advice space. Phil breaks down what is in the education reform proposal, the options put forward to deal with the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) cost blow out, as well as the potential action on superannuation switching and lead generation in the wake of the Shield and First Guardian scandal. Tune in to hear: Why the FAAA supports more a flexible pathway for prospective financial advisers. What the CSLR consultation gets right – and what it gets wrong. Whether any of the potential changes to super and lead generation would have actually helped avoid a fund failure disaster.

April 1, 202638 min

Inside Australia's underinsurance problem – and why risk specialists matter

In this episode of the ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Paul Luu, financial adviser and life insurance specialist at Evalesco and Principal Edge, to unpack the scale and causes of Australia's underinsurance problem. Paul explains how risk advice fits within a holistic planning framework and outlines the "minimum effective dose" philosophy – structuring just enough cover to meaningfully protect clients and their families without over ‑ insuring or blowing up the budget. Tune in to hear: Why dedicated risk specialists are increasingly important inside advice practices. The real ‑ world consequences of underinsurance for clients. How advisers can reframe the conversation to better connect insurance to long-term legacy outcomes.

March 25, 202644 min

Why going it alone isn't always the answer in financial advice

In this episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by financial adviser Jayde Jenkins to unpack the realities of starting and running an advice business, and why the idea of launching a firm can be appealing for many advisers but doesn't always deliver the outcomes they expect. Jayde explores the pressures of business ownership, from operational demands to personal trade-offs, and why stepping away from running a firm can sometimes be the right decision. Tune in to hear: How the appeal of independence can quickly be outweighed by the realities of running a business. Why moving between roles and structures can provide valuable perspective and lead to better long-term fit. The importance of aligning your role with your strengths.