Market valuations have emerged as a crucial area in the SMSF sector, particularly in light of regulatory changes and heightened ATO scrutiny. The looming spectre of Division 296 further complicates the landscape, particularly regarding the methodology used for valuations.

In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Podcast, host Aaron Dunn, chief executive of Smarter SMSF, is joined by industry stalwart Shelley Banton, head of technical for ASF Audits, to delve into the changing expectations for valuations and meeting the challenging compliance requirements.

Listen as they discuss:

• The complexity of market valuations, especially for assets that lack readily available market data.
• Concerns around private credit.
• Practical solutions that may support auditors.
• The shift in expectations for the auditing profession.

In the latest episode of Relative Return Insider, host Maja Garac Djurdjevic and AMP’s Shane Oliver break down US and Australian rate cuts, soaring gold, and bitcoin’s volatility.

The pair also discuss how perception drives value in finance, drawing a parallel to Money Heist, where the illusion of gold shapes outcomes just as confidence in central banks sustains financial systems.

They also explore:

• Reserve Bank of Australia and US Federal Reserve rate cut outlooks.
• Gold and bitcoin as investment hedges.
• Finding true portfolio diversification.
• Impacts of Aussie bank cost-cutting

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Shail Singh, lead ombudsman for investments and advice at AFCA, for a deep dive into two of the most complex – and crucial – pillars of financial consumer protection: the Australian Financial Complaints Authority and the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort.

From resolving disputes early and rebuilding client relationships to tackling large-scale cases like Dixon Advisory, Singh sheds light on how AFCA operates and the challenges posed by mounting case volumes.

The discussion also unpacks the role of the CSLR in firm failures, deadline-driven complaint surges, and the often-confusing treatment of self-managed super funds under retail versus wholesale classifications.

Hear about:

• AFCA’s approach to resolving disputes and why early resolution is encouraged.
• The challenges of the CSLR in handling firm failures and complaint deadlines.
• What advisers need to know about SMSF classifications, multi-party disputes, and managing risk.