Welcome

This session provides a timely overview of the global and Australian economic outlook. It will examine the underlying fragilities shaping the next phase of the cycle, including geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, fiscal pressures and shifting capital flows. The discussion will highlight implications for inflation, growth, policy settings and market volatility, with a focus on risks and opportunities facing Australia’s open economy. 

Hear from Will Trout about the findings of his survey of the hybrid model in the US. How are advisers in the US progressing with a flexible, client-centric model where consumers can seamlessly transition between digital self-service tools and a human adviser based on their needs and the complexity of the task at hand? What are the implications for the Australian advice model? 

Supporting our community through the Australian Stockbrokers Foundation

With a daily trading average of over $15 trillion across equities, fixed income and other securities globally, resilience, regulatory compliance and data excellence are taking priority in business strategies for firms in Australia’s capital markets. AI use presents new risks for market stakeholders. Once quantum computers become more powerful they will be able to break existing encryption schemes within a day or two. ASIC is focused on operational resilience. What lessons have been learnt and what improvements can be made? 

Valuations in public equities appear stretched in many areas, while bond market sentiment is fragile. The adoption of model portfolios that integrate alternative strategies has gained momentum globally and is influencing Australian investment platforms. ASIC has increased private market scrutiny, particularly private credit, due to concerns about risk, while wealth managers say meeting client demand for unlisted assets will be a major factor in growth plans. How do advisers and licensees navigate this complexity? 

Investor interest is moving towards structured digital asset products including stablecoins, tokenised real-world assets and early forms of tokenised deposits. With one in eight Australians holding digital assets, the market is moving from speculative crypto activity to regulated investment products backed by clearer policy settings. Tokenisation expands access to assets and accelerates settlement, creating opportunities for brokers, issuers and custodians. As Australia progresses regulatory reforms, what challenges and opportunities arise for intermediaries operating within licensed and supervised markets? 

Accessing emerging markets (EMs) is more attractive than ever for Australian investors due to sophisticated, low-cost ETFs providing instant diversification; better fundamental economic conditions (lower debt, robust growth, strong tech); a weaker US dollar creating tailwinds; and greater transparency/stability from EM nations which are making prudent reforms. EM offer all of this in addition to faster growth, cheaper valuations, and exposure to differentiated innovation (such as Asian tech) compared to developed markets. Hear from experts how to support client portfolios with this asset class. 

Hear from SIAA’s CEO and Policy Manager about the role the Association plays in providing a strong voice for members, CPD and direct relationships with policy makers and regulators; advocacy wins and current issues. 

Strap in for a fire drill on how to deal with an operational disruption to the trading of securities. How does your BCP respond? Have you done the scenario planning to allow you to move fast to deal with what could be a catastrophic issue? What role does the regulator play? The panel will respond from their perspectives, but the audience will also be involved in choosing options on how to respond. Let’s test our resilience! 

ASX is advancing a significant transformation agenda, including the delivery of the CHESS project, strengthening operational and technology resilience, and evolving its markets and listings settings, in an environment of increased regulatory scrutiny. This Q&A session gives participants the opportunity to put questions directly to ASX CEO Helen Lofthouse in her final month in the role, alongside Acting Group Executive Securities and Payments Andrew Jones and Group Executive Markets and Listings Darren Yip. A rare opportunity for market participants to engage directly with ASX leadership on the priorities, pressures and decisions shaping Australia’s markets. 

Most advisers will support a client experiencing financial abuse at some point in their career - often without realising that’s what they are seeing. This keynote explores how adviser authorities, joint investment strategies, platform access and client instructions can be weaponised by one party to a relationship. 

Catherine will introduce a financial safety by design mindset that helps advisers spot how investment and trading features can be misused, see why regulators are starting to care, and understand what’s already within your control to protect investors and investments - without expecting you to be a social worker. 

Platforms are moving beyond their traditional remit to become integral partners for stockbroking and wealth advice firms. As stockbroking firms evolve their service models to meet rising client expectations and increasing portfolio complexity, platforms are expanding into private client solutions, including whole-of-wealth administration and reporting through a single portal. This includes non-custodial administration services, individual HIN structures, access to alternative investments, and wholesale-focused propositions, enabling advisers to outsource administrative complexity while accommodating more sophisticated client needs and supporting intergenerational wealth strategies. Hear how leading platforms are enabling this shift, helping firms broaden their service offering and future-proof their business. 

Closing address