The ifa Show is your guide to the stories behind the headlines in financial advice. Join the ifa team as they discuss the latest developments in the advice sector.
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On this episode of The ifa Show, host Mikaela Henschel speaks with Brighter Super senior manager of adviser growth Nicky Leis about the government's proposed new class of adviser and how it could affect the advice gap, super funds and the advisers already in the profession.
Leis spent more than a decade as a financial adviser before joining Brighter Super, where she now works closely with advisers and licensees across the country, giving her a view of the reform from both the practice and super fund side.
Listen as they discuss:
The problem the new class of adviser is meant to solve, and the limits proposed on what it can advise on.
How Brighter Super has structured its advice offer, from education and general guidance through to personal advice and referrals to external advisers.
Leis' response to advisers who worry the reform could be a shortcut around the education requirements.
Why more members engaging with their super could lead to more demand for professional advice, and a new way for people to enter the profession.
Important information from Brighter Super:
This podcast contains general information only and does not take into account any person's objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, consider your own objectives, financial situation and needs and, where appropriate, seek advice from a licensed financial adviser.
Brighter Super Trustee (ABN 94 085 088 484) (AFSL 230511) (the Trustee) as trustee for Brighter Super (ABN 23 053 121 564) (RSE R1000160) (the Fund). Brighter Super may refer to the Trustee or the Fund as the context may be. Brighter Super products are issued by the Trustee on behalf of the Fund.
New Class of Adviser
Information is current as at 24 September 2026. The New Class of Adviser framework discussed in this podcast is proposed and remains subject to legislation and final regulatory settings.
Advice services
Brighter Super's financial advisers are employees of Brighter Super, however, they provide financial services as Authorised Representatives of Industry Super Fund Services Limited (IFS) (ABN 54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514). For more information, please see brightersuper.com.au/advice.
Awards
Brighter Super has received the Adviser-Ready Fund Certification from Chant West and the Financial Advice Association Australia and was named Best Fund: Advice Services at the 2026 Chant West Super Fund Awards. For more information, please see brightersuper.com.au/awards.
Research
Brighter Super and Investment Trends 2025 Retirement Income Report. Based on a national survey of 3,679 Australians aged 40 and over, conducted between August and September 2025. For more information, please see 2025-26 State of Retirement report.
23 Sept 2026
The psychology of trust: How to advise women through life's biggest financial transitions
In this episode of The ifa Show, host Mikaela Henschel sits down with TruWealth Advice founder and principal financial adviser Natallia Smith to talk about the emotional side of advice, and why it often matters more than the numbers.
Smith came into advice from psychology, and she works almost entirely with women going through divorce, bereavement and retirement. Many of her clients arrive at a hard time in their lives, and a lot of her work happens before any strategy is discussed, in earning enough trust for someone to open up.
Listen as they discuss:
Why how a client feels matters more than the information you give them.
How stress and grief limit a client's capacity to take in complexity, and why a slower pace works better.
The shame that stops many women from seeking advice, and how to normalise it.
What advisers without a psychology background can apply in their next client meeting.
Why building a practice around one type of client can grow it rather than shrink it.
15 Sept 2026
Inside section 923A: How to navigate independence, risk advice and referral partnerships
In this episode of The ifa Show, host Shy-ann Arkinstall is joined by independent financial adviser Andrew Saikal-Skea to dig into the complexities of being independent under the law and how this translates into his referral frameworks.
Spanning licensing decisions and risk advice, Andrew explains how being independent influences how he chooses the right professionals to partner with as referral arrangements become more challenging and more necessary by operating as independent.
Listen as they discuss:
What it actually means to be independent under the Corps Act.
How you can still deliver risk advice without breeching independence.
The potential impact of proposed lead generation reforms.
Why independence is both a spectrum and a hard-line rule.
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Who has been a guest on The ifa Show
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James O’Reilly
Nicole Gardner
Natallia Smith
Steve Prendeville
Luke Howarth
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