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Financial Planning

Clinton plans pension system overhaul

CHRIS NICHOLLS  |  FRIDAY, 12 OCT 2007
Senator Hillary Clinton has announced plans for a new pension scheme, which takes a leaf out of the Australian superannuation system, as part of her 2008 presidential election campaign.

BT Wrap Advantage rebates $1.8m

BT Financial Group's reduced fee structure for its new Wrap Advantage program has resulted in $1.8 million worth of direct rebates to investors within six months.

No more sustainable investment roadblocks: Russell

CHRIS NICHOLLS  |  THURSDAY, 11 OCT 2007
Australian superannuation funds' traditional arguments against sustainable investments are no longer valid, according to a new report from Russell Investment Group.

Macq Private Wealth sponsors the AFI

While many super funds and fund managers are busy supporting sports clubs, Macquarie Private Wealth looked to the arts instead when it signed a deal with the Australian Film Institute (AFI).

Australians top list but still underinsured

CHRIS NICHOLLS  |  WEDNESDAY, 10 OCT 2007
Despite a generally blasé attitude to risk, and 64 per cent underinsurance, Australia still ranks as one of the developed world's best insured nations, according to a new AXA report.

Challenger takes part in $9.5bn infrastructure buy

MICHAEL HOBBS  |  WEDNESDAY, 10 OCT 2007
An international consortium including Challenger, Access Capital Advisers and UBS have acquired UK utility, Southern Water Capital, from the Royal Bank of Scotland Group for $9.5 billion.

Australians at ease with debt

MICHAEL HOBBS  |  WEDNESDAY, 10 OCT 2007
With Australians using debt to acquire homes and build wealth, a report from the Federal Government found almost 80 per cent of borrowers are comfortable with their debt levels.

Lifestyle banking at your service

BankWest joins the growing list of banks and wealth management firms eager to retain customers and win new ones by providing finance-related services in a more relaxed setting, complete with a place to read, cafe and even a mini-shop to buy office stationery.

Investors eye emerging markets infrastructure

MICHAEL HOBBS  |  TUESDAY, 9 OCT 2007
Credit Suisse is tapping into the growing demand for global alternative assets when it launched a product that will give Australian investors faster and cheaper access to the $1.12 trillion emerging markets infrastructure sector.

Intech shifts focus to after-tax

CHRIS NICHOLLS  |  TUESDAY, 9 OCT 2007
Skandia's investment and consulting division Intech has added a new structure to its $1.8 billion multi-manager Australian Shares Active Trust, focusing on boutiques and after-tax returns.