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Masterclass 2025
Twelve sessions across three streams with the flexibility to watch live or on-demand to earn upto 15 CPD hours!
The 2025 FAAA Masterclass Series has been designed by financial advisers for financial advisers to offer high quality professional development to support you in building a sustainable business and deliver great advice.
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of professional and ethical practice, understand the implications of the new aged care regulations, and learn how to understand the tax implications of your clients property holdings.
To ensure your registration goes smoothly please ensure you’re logged into your FAAA Learn account before clicking through to register.
Pricing
Full series (12 sessions)
CFP member – $255
FAAA member* – $299
Non-member – $525
Or purchase an individual stream below
(4 sessions)
CFP member- $120
FAAA member* – $140
Non-member – $245
If you are part of an FAAA Professional Practice an additional discount will be applied at cart.
*Excluding Student/LOA members.
Stream 1 - Professionalism & Ethics
Sum of the parts: professionals vs profession, ethical dilemmas
- Wednesday 12 February | 12:00-13:15 AEDT
- Up to 1.25 hours - Professionalism & Ethics
Session overview
The overwhelming motivation for financial planning professionals is a desire to help their clients. However advisors face a mountain of legal, regulatory and ethical obligations. This mountain can cast a long shadow, creating advice deserts where individuals or whole sections of society are not able to find advisors who can service their needs.
We will discuss real-world scenarios, such as the limited availability of insurance advice, the challenges of serving clients with complex needs, and clients who are unable to pay the cost associated with obtaining advice.
Participants will gain insights into how individual ethically driven decisions, taken to ensure that professionals adhere to their obligations, can contribute to a wider ethical shortfall of the profession as a whole. We will also propose actionable strategies to help offset this gap.
This session aims to equip financial advisers with the tools to navigate ethical dilemmas and contribute to a more equitable financial future for all Australians.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the ethical conflicts between individual practice and professional standards.
- Identify the challenges faced by financial advisers in providing equitable advice.
- Explore strategies for addressing ethical dilemmas in financial advising.
- Learn how to advocate for systemic changes within the industry.
Speakers
Jane Campbell
Principle, Aeran Pty Ltd
Jenny Rachmat
Senior Private Wealth Adviser, Shaw and Partners
Nicola Beswick CFP®
Fianncial Advisor, Independent
Robert Kimberley
Head of Professional Standards, FAAA
Communication, empathy and education in ethical financial advising
- Wednesday 19 February | 12:00-13:15 AEDT
- Up to 1.25 hours - Professionalism & Ethics
Session overview
In the realm of financial advising, the ability to analyse and strategise is crucial. However, these skills alone are insufficient for delivering high-quality, compliant advice. This Masterclass delves into the potentially overlooked ethical skills of empathy, communication, and education. Complaints and investigations often arise not because of analytical deficiencies but because of a gap in understanding between client and adviser, shortfalls in effective communication, and a failure by the adviser to educate the client about the realities of their financial circumstances, needs, and the options available.
This session will explore how advisers can honestly evaluate their skills, seek improvement, and compensate for weaker areas to foster better client relationships and outcomes.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the importance of empathy, communication, and education, in ethical financial advising
- Identify common pitfalls in client communication and strategies to avoid them
- Develop skills to better understand and manage client expectations.
- Learn methods for honest self-evaluation and continuous improvement in professional skills
Speakers
Cara Graham CFP®
Financial Adviser, The Wealth Designers
Colin Jowell
BillWill
Christine Swanson
Aged Care Specialist, Prominent Financial Services
Robert Kimberley
Head of Professional Standards, FAAA
Balancing ethics and profitability in financial advising
- Wednesday 26 February | 12:00-13:15 AEDT
- Up to 1.25 hours - Professionalism & Ethics
Session overview
In the financial advising profession, one of the most significant challenges is balancing ethical obligations with the need to remain profitable. This Masterclass delves into the common points of tension that financial advisers face, such as the conflict between efficiency and acting in the individual client’s best interest, and potential grey areas where licensee standards end and personal ethics begin. Participants will explore the complexities of integrated practices, where accountants, mortgage brokers, and advisers work under one roof, and the ethical considerations that arise from referrals, fee structures, and collaborative advice.
By the end of this session, advisers will be equipped with practical strategies to navigate these challenges and uphold their professional integrity while achieving business success.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the balance between ethical obligations and profitability in financial advising
- Identify and address ethical dilemmas in integrated financial practices
- Develop strategies to manage conflicts between efficiency and client best interest
- Enhance skills in ethical decision-making and professional integrity
Speakers
Robert Kimberley
Head of Professional Standards
FAAA
Panel of experts
To be announced soon
Navigating the ethical-legal divide: strategies for financial advisers
- Wednesday 5 March | 12:00-13:15 AEDT
- Up to 1.25 hours - Professionalism & Ethics
Session overview
In the complex world of financial advice, professionals often find themselves at the crossroads of legal requirements and ethical obligations. This Masterclass delves into the inherent tensions between these two domains, providing financial advisers with the tools and techniques to navigate these challenges effectively. Participants will explore real-world examples where legal mandates may conflict with ethical duties. The session aims to equip advisers with a robust skillset to identify, navigate, anticipate, and highlight these conflicts, ensuring they can uphold the highest standards of ethical practice while complying with legal frameworks.
By the end of this session, advisers will be better prepared to manage these dilemmas and advocate for ethical practices within their professional communities.
Learning outcomes
- Identify potential conflicts between legal and ethical obligations in financial advising
- Navigate these conflicts using the CURSIVE approach and other practical techniques
- Anticipate conditions that may lead to ethical dilemmas and proactively address them
- Highlight ethical issues to relevant stakeholders, including peers, associations, regulators, and lawmakers
Speakers
Robert Kimberley
Head of Professional Standards
FAAA
Panel of experts
To be announced soon
Stream 2 - Aged Care
Home care - the old, the new, the strategy changes
- Wednesday 12 March | 12:00-13:15 AEDT
- Up to 1.25 CPD hours - Aged Care
Session overview
Home care is rapidly becoming the preferred care option for many clients, but upcoming changes and rising fees mean clients will need to manage their cash flow more carefully to cover costs.
This session will equip financial advisers with the knowledge needed to navigate the new home care rules and understand how these changes impact their clients’ financial plans.
Key topics include:
- An overview of the new rules
- How home care advice integrates into broader financial planning
- Unpacking the grandfathering rules for existing users of home care, and
- The opportunities for financial planners to enhance client engagement
Financial advisers providing retirement advice can’t afford to miss this essential presentation, as it will empower them to deliver greater value and strategic guidance to their clients.
Learning outcomes
- Gain an understanding of how the new home care rules are structured and how they impact financial advice for clients seeking care at home
- Learn how to effectively incorporate home care advice into holistic financial planning, identifying opportunities for cash flow management
- Understand the nuances of grandfathering rules
- Discover practical ways to engage clients more effectively by offering tailored home care advice that meets their growing needs and delivers additional value
Speakers
Louise Biti
Co-Founder & Director
Aged Care Steps
Aged Care Adviser of the Year – Finalist
To be announced soon
Residential care – the old, the new, the strategy changes
- Wednesday 19 March | 12:00-13:15 AEDT
- Up to 1.25 CPD hours - Aged Care
Session overview
With new residential aged care rules on the horizon, it’s essential for advisers to stay ahead with the knowledge to integrate both old and new rules when providing aged care advice. This workshop is designed to help advisers navigate these changes and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving aged care landscape.
We will begin by examining the current regulatory framework and then delve into the upcoming changes, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that advisers and their clients will face.
Co-hosted by a finalist from the Aged Care Adviser of the Year awards, the session will provide practical insights and strategies for delivering advice beyond 30 June 2025.
This workshop is ideal for advisers already familiar with the current rules and eager to enhance their expertise as they prepare for the coming changes. Don’t miss this chance to gain the tools and insights needed to provide top-quality aged care advice in a shifting regulatory environment.
Learning outcomes
- Gain an understanding of both the current and new residential aged care rules, and how the changes will impact financial advice strategies
- Identify the key challenges and opportunities presented by the new regulations
- Gain actionable, real-world insights from industry leaders on how to apply the new rules post-30 June 2025
Speakers
Louise Biti
Co-Founder & Director
Aged Care Steps
Aged Care Adviser of the Year – Finalist
To be announced soon
High net wealth clients and advice: unpacking new aged care strategies
- Wednesday 26 March | 12:00-13:15 AEDT
- Up to 1.25 CPD hours - Aged Care
Session overview
As aged care fee rules change, higher-net-wealth clients are being asked to contribute more towards the services they access. But is this fair, and is it affordable?
This workshop will explore these pressing questions, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities that wealthier clients face when planning for their own aged care needs or those of an older family member.
We’ll examine the implications of these changes, both now and beyond 30 June 2025, offering insights into strategies for high-net-worth clients. Key topics will include:
- When to disclose financial means and the consequences of non-disclosure
- Decisions for restructuring assets
- Operation of the lifetime cap, and
- How to effectively manage private trusts and companies
With real-world case studies, co-presented by a finalist from the Aged Care Adviser of the Year awards, this session will provide valuable strategies for advising this client segment.
Learning outcomes
- Understand how the 1 July 2025 changes will impact the fees payable by wealthier clients for aged care services
- Analyse when to disclose financial means and the potential impacts of non-disclosure
- Identify the differences between paying for accommodation as a lump sum or a daily fee and restructuring portfolios
- Explore case studies that demonstrate how to navigate aged care fees and services for wealthier clients post 30 June 2025
Speakers
Louise Biti
Co-Founder & Director
Aged Care Steps
Aged Care Adviser of the Year – Finalist
To be announced soon
Better client conversations and business implications in aged care advice
- Wednesday 2 April | 12:00-13:15 AEDT
- Up to 1.25 CPD hours - Aged Care
Session overview
Providing aged care advice goes beyond understanding rules and strategies – it’s about navigating the emotional complexities and conflicting family objectives that often arise during this challenging time.
Successful advisers know how to address the sensitive topic of frailty with clients and help them plan ahead, ensuring they are prepared throughout retirement, not just in times of crisis.
This workshop, co-hosted by a finalist or winner of the Aged Care Adviser of the Year award, will offer valuable insights into what makes an adviser successful in this area. Attendees will gain practical tips on:
- How to engage in better conversations with clients and their families
- Promote your aged care services effectively to generate referral opportunities
- Defining your value proposition and pricing services to grow your aged care advice business.
This workshop is suitable for all advisers interested in supporting clients throughout the retirement lifecycle and will equip attendees with the tools to enhance client relationships and expand business opportunities in the aged care space.
Learning outcomes
- Learn how to initiate and guide sensitive conversations with clients and their families about aged care and frailty, fostering trust and understanding
- Gain practical strategies for promoting your aged care services and clearly communicating the value you provide to clients and potential referral sources
- Understand how to support clients in planning for aged care needs throughout the entire retirement lifecycle, not just during crisis moments
Speakers
Louise Biti
Co-Founder & Director
Aged Care Steps
Aged Care Adviser of the Year – Finalist
To be announced soon
Stream 3 - Tax (Financial) Advice
Tax implications of earning income from your family home
- Wednesday 30 April | 12:00-13:15 AEST
- Up to 1.25 CPD hours - Tax (Financial) Advice
Session overview
Your home is your castle right? That is until you rent it out, use it for work, or move overseas, etc. At that point, the tax-exempt status of the property may disappear. In this special webinar, we highlight the tax implications of common situations where a client’s main residence is not just their private abode but is used to generate income.
You will come away with an appreciation of the complexities clients can face when earning income from their family home.
Learning outcomes
- When your family home is tax-free (and what about your beneficiaries)
- When two homeowners marry and move to one home
- Can you have two main residences
- Consequences of Airbnb style arrangements
- What impact does working from home really have
- What happens when your client’s business is attached or on the same land as their home
- The impact of moving overseas
Speakers
Rae Ni Corraidh
Tax Adviser
Knowledge Shop
Tax implications of residential investment properties
- Wednesday 7 May | 12:00-13:15 AEST
- Up to 1.25 CPD hours - Tax (Financial) Advice
Session overview
Almost everyone wants a property portfolio. The impact of tax on an investment property can be pivotal to a client’s outcomes yet this area is often neglected. In this special webinar, we explore the key tax impacts for clients with residential investment properties.
You will come away with an appreciation of the common issues clients face when they hold residential investment properties and the tax impact of the decisions they make.
Learning outcomes
- When interest expenses can and cannot be claimed as a deduction
- The tax impact of renting a property to family members or friends
- Dealing with jointly owned rental properties
- How to calculate the cost base of a property and common adjustments that need to be made
- The consequences of improving or altering a property
- What happens when a client lives in their rental property
- Depreciation and capital works deductions
- When would a client benefit from obtaining a quantity surveyor report on a property they have purchased
- Situations when depreciation deductions aren’t available
- Tax impacts of different entity structures
Speakers
Rae Ni Corraidh
Tax Adviser
Knowledge Shop
Tax implications of commercial investment properties
- Wednesday 14 May | 12:00-13:15 AEST
- Up to 1.25 CPD hours - Tax (Financial) Advice
Session overview
Determining the tax treatment of commercial investment properties can be a complex process. There is often a reason why the investment has been made – beyond simply acquiring an investment asset. Related parties and interests are often involved. In this special webinar, we explore the key tax impacts for clients holding or selling commercial investment properties.
You will come away with an appreciation of the common issues clients face when they hold commercial investment properties and the tax impact of the decisions they make.
Learning outcomes
- The difference the going concern rules can make when a client transfers a property into an SMSF or sells a property to an unrelated party
- The CGT implications of moving a property into an SMSF
- SMSFs and commercial property:
- Business real property
- Limited recourse borrowing arrangements
- When a commercial property is used in a business operated by a related party
- The impact of related party arrangements on claiming tax deductions
- Can the sale of the property qualify for the small business CGT concessions?
Speakers
Michael Carruthers
Tax Director
Knowledge Shop
Jason Hurst
Technical Superannuation Adviser
Knowledge Shop
Tax implications of farming properties
- Wednesday 21 May | 12:00-13:15 AEST
- Up to 1.25 CPD hours - Tax (Financial) Advice
Session overview
Farming properties comes with their own set of specific issues. In this special webinar we explore some of the common issues, scenarios and questions that clients often have. There are also a range of concessions unique to primary producers.
You will come away with an appreciation of the common issues clients face when they hold farming properties and the tax impact of the decisions they make.
Learning outcomes
- The impact of the non-commercial loss rules
- Implications of transferring the family farm – SMSFs, estate planning and more
- Value added business activities on the farm – farm stays, cottages, camping and functions
- Is it really a primary production business? Hobby farms and high net wealth clients – wine and wagyu
- GST concessions on selling a farm
- Applying the 2-hectare limit under the CGT main residence rules
Speakers
Michael Carruthers
Tax Director
Knowledge Shop
Jason Hurst
Technical Superannuation Adviser
Knowledge Shop
