In this episode of the ifa Show, Vanguard Australia head of multi-asset solutions Matthew Cho joins host Keith Ford to unpack how advisers are rethinking portfolio construction amid rising regulatory demands, administrative complexity and broader market uncertainty.

With advisers under pressure to deliver tailored portfolios while preserving efficiency, Cho explains why scalable, rules-based investment solutions – particularly managed accounts and model portfolios – are becoming essential tools for modern practices.

Tune in to hear:

• How utilising a core–satellite approach can balance the goals of diversification, cost efficiency, and alpha generation.
• Why rising compliance load and limited time is driving advisers to scalable model portfolio solutions.
• The practical benefits that model portfolios can provide for both advisers and their clients.

Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) (Vanguard) is the Portfolio Manager of the Vanguard Core-Satellite Model Portfolios (Portfolios). Lonsec Investment Solutions Pty Ltd (LIS) (ABN 95 608 837 583) is engaged to provide investment advisory services in relation to the Portfolios. LIS is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) of Evidentia Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 97 664 546 525 / AFS Licence 546217).

In this episode of the ifa Show, Direct Wealth technology manager and Halosoft co-founder Nick Downey joins host Keith Ford to explore the real reasons many Australian financial advisers remain hesitant about AI, despite 74 per cent of practices are either using or planning to use AI.

Downey explains why this hesitation exists, why it's rational – particularly when it comes to security concerns – and how tools purpose-built for advice practices are starting to shift adviser comfort and confidence.

Tune in to hear:

• What the real barriers to AI adoption are and why it isn't about resistance to technology.
• How adviser confidence shifts quickly once they experience a high-quality, adviser-aligned AI tool firsthand.
• Why the future of advice technology is workflow-driven, client-centric, and focused on freeing advisers to do more of the human work that matters.

In the latest episode of The ifa Show, Dr Ben Neilson, adjunct professor at Central Queensland University and adviser at Complete Wealth, and Shelley Labartolo, client service officer at Complete Wealth, join host Keith Ford to break down their research on the stages of client emotions during the advice process.

Their research centred on how understanding and mapping client emotions at each stage – from discovery and strategy development to implementation and review – not only improves decision quality and trust but also enhances the client experience and reduces the need for follow-up.

Tune in to hear:

• How advisers can practically implement the findings to foster greater levels of trust with clients.
• Why it's important to address emotions proactively with feedback, empathetic questioning, and clear communication.
• The value for advisers with high emotional intelligence and how they can build greater trust and achieve stronger, more durable client relationships.