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![Separation of duties allows advisers to focus on advice](/web/20150212002059im_/http://www.afr.com/rw/2009-2014/AFR/2014/12/03/Photos/4997682e-7aaa-11e4-bb99-1723d4417773_AST FUNDS MANAGEMENT--646x363.jpg)
Separation of duties allows advisers to focus on advice
Managed accounts, which can include separately managed accounts, will leave advisers to advise, managers to manage and administrators to administer.
![Banks may struggle to win over accountants](/web/20150212002059im_/http://www.afr.com/rf/image/2009-2014/AFR/2014/12/03/Photos/4ceff86e-7aab-11e4-bb99-1723d4417773_syd-6gu3oh1n4vkitopcj30--236x160.jpg)
Banks may struggle to win over accountants
The new wave of accountants set to enter the financial planning industry will be unlike any group encountered before.
Bonds still a good bet
If advisers are nervously anticipating a lift in interest rates will cause their clients’ fixed-income portfolios suddenly to go thundering through the floor, they can calm down for just one moment.
![ASICÂ revamps adviser register](/web/20150212002059im_/http://www.afr.com/rf/image/2009-2014/AFR/2014/12/03/Photos/fb3bc1ec-7aaa-11e4-bb99-1723d4417773_PAGE_AST MAGNIFYING GLASS--236x160.jpg)
ASIC revamps adviser register
As the regulator works on a register of financial advisers, private players are looking at ways to rank providers.
![ARRIA sounds call for certainty](/web/20150212002059im_/http://www.afr.com/rf/image/2009-2014/AFR/2014/11/30/Photos/f8b13cec-78d7-11e4-9596-2eb1e9e2de42_97436544_1_0_315990022-27226--236x160.jpg)
ARRIA sounds call for certainty
Portfolios constructed to target returns above inflation sound like a great idea in hindsight, but in bull markets it’s a hard sell – to clients and advisers.
![Automation key to low-cost plans](/web/20150212002059im_/http://www.afr.com/rf/image/2009-2014/AFR/2014/12/03/Photos/b1e5c8da-7aaa-11e4-bb99-1723d4417773_Thomas Paule 002 (1)--236x160.jpg)
Automation key to low-cost plans
A handful of Australian networks are following the lead from the US, applying the principles of lean manufacturing to create cheap plans.