All Publications

April 2010
"Professionalism and Ethics in Financial Planning Doctor of Philosophy Study 2009" by Dr June Smith
Victoria University School of Law Abstract. The purpose of this study was to enhance understanding of the ethical decision making of these financial planning participants within this context. This study is therefore a significant one in what is a relatively under-researched area of interest.

June 2009
"Shareholders Agreements and Keeping The Business Marriage Together" by James Millea

Business angels investing in private companies is typically a high risk undertaking, Andrew Ireland and James Millea write. Originally published in Wholesale Investor 10 June - 13 June 2009.

"Controlling structuring risk for Business Angels" by Andrew Ireland and James Millea
Starting a new business is like a marriage. Common goals and some thought before you take the plunge on how to manage the different dreams and sole disputes will go a long way to maintaining a happy business marriage, writes James Millea.Originally published in Wholesale Investor 5 June - 10 June 2009.

April 2009
"History repeating itself? Lessons from the Storm Financial and Westpoint Group collapses" by June Smith
There are significant patterns in how financial advice was given to consumers in both the Storm Financial and Westpoint cases, writes June Smith. This article was originally publised in LexisNexis Butterworths Financial Services Newsletter April 2009.

"Preference Shares– They may be preferable for proprietary companies" by Andrew Ireland

Private companies can find that preference shares are an attractive means of raising funds and, in appropriate circumstances, may be a better alternative to ordinary shares or loans, particularly in the current economic climate Andrew Ireland writes.

February 2009
"Trusts: A 21st Century Look at a Centuries Old Tool" by Peter Bobbin
Without doubt trusts are the most favoured investment and business vehicles today, yet most professionals have completed less than 40 hours formal education in the law of trusts and taxation of these. In this detailed paper, Mr Bobbin presents the fundamentals followed by discussion of stamp duty, estate planning, family law, and taxation issues relevant to the law of trusts. Useful 'Practice Points' are given throughout this article. Updated February 2009.

"No time like the present" by Peter Bobbin
Many firms will be busy helping clients reset their financial futures, but before they begin they'll need to reorganise their own business to maximise gains when better times arrive Peter Bobbin writes. Originally published in Asset Magazine February 2008.

December 2008
"Culture of complaints" by Peter Bobbin
Clear communication with clients is more important than ever in the market, as even grieves can offer an opportunity to build better relationships, Peter Bobbin writes. Originally published in Asset Magazine December 2008.

November 2008
"Enough complaints to share" by Peter Bobbin
As the credit crunch continues to bite, grievances against advisers will probably increase as clients review their strategies and returns, but where does the buck stop? Originally published in Asset Magazine November 2008.

October 2008
"A lapse in trusteeship" by Peter Bobbin
The concept of a dependant is anachronistic. I should be able to apply my super as I wish. Professional super fund administrators are growing lazy, leaving deceased members' dependants confused or, worse yet, forced to bear the consequences of their failures, Peter Bobbin writes. Originally published in Asset Magazine October 2008.

September 2008
"Beware the trusty short cut" by Peter Bobbin
The most common failing in the use a trust begins with the advisers who recommend them. Judging by the mood of the times, a professional trustee and a settlement fee substantially greater than $10 will be needed to earn the respect of the courts, writes Peter Bobbin. Originally published in Asset Magazine September 2008.

August 2008
"Fees make a meal of your client's interests" by Peter Bobbin
Financial advisers have a fiduciary duty to charge on a commission basis, Peter Bobbin writes. This article originally appeared on the 28 August 2008 issue of Money Management.

"Right Topic Wrong Focus" by Peter Bobbin
The consultation paper on superannuation shows that the government needs to focus on the value of advice and on encouraging households to boost retirement savings, Peter Bobbin writes. Originally published in Asset Magazine August 2008.

July 2008

"Super's final frontier" by Peter Bobbin
Australian super-tax laws that treat a company as a spouse no longer seeem so bizzare. Advisers are coming to grips with the government's Better Super system, Peter Bobbin writes, but unfortunately many of its absurdities and complexities are still in place. Originally published in Asset Magazine July 2008.

June 2008
"Extreme super makeover" by Peter Bobbin
The complex, outdated rules covering self-manged superannuation funds are crying out for reform and a single authority should be given the role of DIY fund regulater, Peter Bobbin writes. Asset Magazine June 2008.

May 2008
"Trusts: A 21st Century Look at a Centuries Old Tool" by Peter Bobbin
Without doubt trusts are the most favoured investment and business vehicles today, yet most professionals have completed less than 40 hours formal education in the law of trusts and taxation of these. In this detailed paper, Mr Bobbin presents the fundamentals followed by discussion of stamp duty, estate planning, family law, and taxation issues relevant to the law of trusts. Useful 'Practice Points' are given throughout this article. Updated May 2008.

"When washing is a dirty word" by Peter Bobbin
Always be wary when the Tax Office uses a word whose meaning you need to look up. A falling sharemarket hs prompted the re-emergence of the wash sale as a tax-saving strategy. Peter Bobbin writes, but unfortunately many of its absurdities and complexities are still in place. Originally published in Asset Magazine May 2008.

April 2008
"Super's final frontier" by Peter Bobbin
Australian super-tax laws that treat a company as a spouse no longer seeem so bizzare. Advisers are coming to grips with the government's Better Super system, Peter Bobbin writes, but unfortunately many of its absurdities and complexities are still in place. Originally published in Asset Magazine April 2008.

March 2008
"Gear up for a lawsuit" by Peter Bobbin
It's a great time to be in the super financial services profession, despite the fearful chatter. More exceptions allowing super funds to borrow money for investments are a big opportunity for the members. Don't let them give someone a new change to sue you, Peter Bobbin writes. Originally published in Asset Magazine March 2008.

February 2008
"Simple truth Saves" by Peter Bobbin
Advisers need to take care when communicating with clients - simply put dumb it down. No more fancy words, slock marketing jargon or convoluted nomenclature; be bluntly honest with clients in termins that even your teenager would understand, Peter Bobbin writes. Originally published in
Asset Magazine February 2008.