---
title: Australian Financial Services Weekly Summary- 30 Jan to 5 Feb 2025
description: Get the latest updates on Australia's financial services sector, including managed account growth, regulatory changes, and market trends. Read more.
---

[ARdata Articles](https://blog.adviserratings.com.au/ardata-newsletter)

# [Australian Financial Services Weekly Summary- 30 Jan to 5 Feb 2025](https://blog.adviserratings.com.au/ardata-newsletter/australian-financial-services-weekly-summary-30-jan-to-5-feb-2025)

 Written by [ARdata](https://blog.adviserratings.com.au/ardata-newsletter/author/ardata) | Feb 5, 2025 10:21:05 PM

The Australian financial services landscape continues to evolve rapidly, marked by significant product innovation and heightened regulatory scrutiny. This week, there was a notable surge in managed account registrations, increasing private market accessibility, and intensified regulatory focus on superannuation governance and scam prevention.

 

## Product Innovation & Market Movements

 

The managed accounts sector has experienced robust growth, with [registrations doubling over the past three years](https://financialstandard.com.au/news/sma-registrations-double-in-three-years-data-179807372). This expansion reflects broader industry trends toward sophisticated investment solutions and improved portfolio customisation. Simultaneously, [younger investors are increasingly gravitating toward ETFs](https://www.ifa.com.au/news/35296-younger-investors-leaning-towards-etfs), highlighting a generational shift in investment preferences.

Private market access continues to be democratised, with [FundBase announcing a new platform for retail investors](https://financialstandard.com.au/news/fundbase-to-launch-platform-for-retail-access-to-private-markets-179807385). This development coincides with [LGT's introduction of a semi-liquid private equity strategy](https://financialnewswire.com.au/funds-management/lgt-unveils-semi-liquid-private-equity-strategy/), which addresses the growing demand for alternative investments. PIMCO's [entry into the local ETF market](https://financialstandard.com.au/news/pimco-debuts-local-etf-suite-179807412) further diversifies investment options for Australian investors.

 

## Client Needs & Research

 

Research indicates a significant shift in adviser portfolio construction, with [high-net-worth advisers increasingly incorporating private market exposure](https://financialstandard.com.au/news/hnw-advisers-flock-to-private-markets-179807343). This trend reflects growing client sophistication and demand for diversification beyond traditional asset classes.

The retirement segment is seeing innovation with [new defined-return products targeting retiree concerns. These products are](https://insideadviser.com.au/defined-returns-fund-can-soften-retiree-pain-in-next-market-turn-atlantic-house/) specifically designed to address sequence risk and provide more predictable income streams in volatile markets.

 

## Regulatory Landscape

 

ASIC and APRA have intensified their focus on superannuation governance. [ASIC warned trustees about inadequate scam prevention measures](https://financialstandard.com.au/news/asic-calls-out-super-trustees-over-weak-anti-scam-practices-179807341). The regulators also conducted [joint CEO roundtables on climate risk](https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/news-items/asic-and-apra-host-superannuation-ceo-roundtables-to-discuss-climate-risk/), signalling increased scrutiny of ESG considerations.

APRA has issued [warnings regarding excessive fees in superannuation contingency reserves](https://financialnewswire.com.au/superannuation/apras-excessive-fee-warning-on-super-contingency-reserves/), while the [Financial Services Council argues for regulatory balance](https://financialstandard.com.au/news/the-regulatory-pendulum-has-swung-too-far-fsc-179807358), suggesting current oversight may be overly burdensome.

 

## Industry Movements

 

Several significant leadership changes occurred this week, notably [Magellan's announcement of a refreshed leadership and investment team](https://www.financialstandard.com.au/news/magellan-unveils-refreshed-leadership-investment-team-179807345). [Schroders strengthened its team with Anthony Doyle joining as director](https://www.financialstandard.com.au/news/anthony-doyle-joins-schroders-as-director-179807376), while [Perennial appointed a new co-head of private investments](https://www.financialstandard.com.au/news/perennial-appoints-co-head-of-private-investments-179807391), reflecting the growing importance of private markets.

 

## Looking Ahead

 

The industry faces several critical developments in the coming months, including the implementation of new superannuation regulations and the anticipated July 1 [increase in the transfer balance cap](https://financialstandard.com.au/news/transfer-balance-cap-to-rise-on-july-1-179807348). Market participants should closely monitor ASIC's enhanced focus on [unsuitable superannuation advice](https://www.professionalplanner.com.au/2025/01/asic-to-target-unsuitable-super-advice-in-2025/) and prepare for increased scrutiny of climate risk management practices.

 

[View full post](https://blog.adviserratings.com.au/ardata-newsletter/australian-financial-services-weekly-summary-30-jan-to-5-feb-2025)

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