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![Financial planners take on the big end of town](/web/20140108101200im_/http://www.afr.com/rw/2009-2014/AST/2013/11/27/Photos/2bc8fbc6-57b7-11e3-a852-6bf3485f4769__MG_0046--646x363.jpg)
Financial planners take on the big end of town
As financial planning waits to register on the radar of more Australians who might be even remotely interested in their lifetime economic wellbeing, the major institutions continue to lock in as many clients as they can.
![A finger on the pulse](/web/20140108101200im_/http://www.afr.com/rf/image/2009-2014/AST/2013/11/27/Photos/ccafc786-57b7-11e3-a852-6bf3485f4769_A66C2105--236x160.jpg)
A finger on the pulse
Unearthing financial consultants of quality who can dispense sound advice in complex markets is a challenge for any planning business. One principal, Bill Bracey, seems to have the answers.
Prepare for education upgrade
The hurdle new entrants need to clear to get started in the advice industry is too low, ASIC says, and the education providers are gearing for change.
![The right mix for retirement](/web/20140108101200im_/http://www.afr.com/rf/image/2009-2014/AST/2013/11/27/Photos/116ddb56-57b8-11e3-a852-6bf3485f4769_ROUND TABLE 014_5_0_2317105578--236x160.jpg)
The right mix for retirement
Funds that are free of allocation mandates have a good chance of hitting long-term targets.
![Emerging markets no fairytale](/web/20140108101200im_/http://www.afr.com/rf/image/2009-2014/AST/2013/11/27/Photos/6e3843f2-57b9-11e3-a852-6bf3485f4769_A65C4324_A--236x160.jpg)
Emerging markets no fairytale
The slowdown in growth in the hotly tipped emerging markets may just mean investors adopt a different strategy.
![Advice needs a woman’s touch](/web/20140108101200im_/http://www.afr.com/rf/image/2009-2014/AST/2013/10/23/Photos/7d160df8-3c31-11e3-b283-dd988051129c_extA68C4958--236x160.jpg)
Advice needs a woman’s touch
The financial planning industry needs more female advisers; clients who want a woman’s perspective miss out by a ratio of about one to five.