Ben Chan

Gen Z are itching to switch! New Deloitte report shows that 67% of Australian investors are considering switching Wealth Providers in the next 3 years. For Australia, this is predominantly younger investors (Gen X, Y & Z). Read more in our exclusive Australian research, 'Building A Future-Ready Investment Firm'. The team have developed two deep dives of particular interest for the Australian market: Client Experience and Productivity. Download the full report here:

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Shaw and Partners has released the December Quarter 2024 edition of the Research Monitor. INSIDE THIS ISSUE ✅ Q3 2024 Performance. The best performing Australian equity sector was Consumer Durables & Apparel, up 26.4% including dividends. ✅ From Peak Oil to the Mag 7: The technology sector now accounts for over 25% of global stock market capitalisation. ✅ Iron ore: China is not well-endowed with iron ore, it has plenty of coal. ✅ Is nickel dead? BHP shocked the resources market when it announced it would shelve its WA nickel business earlier this year ✅ Housing shortage in Australia: Nationally, rents are up about 20% since the end of the Pandemic. ✅ The rise of additive manufacturing: Number of 3D machines sold annually, and AM metal powder sales are growing at ~25% p.a. ✅ Gold to shine: U.S. interest rate movements will be the most significant catalyst for gold prices in the near term. ✅ Food glorious food: We favour an investment in food logistics companies like Lindsay Australia. ✅ Bank hybrids: APRA proposes replacing AT1 bank hybrids with more reliable forms of capital. ✅ Shaw and Partners Model Portfolio Stock recommendations: S&P/ ASX 100 Large Caps: BHP (BHP), CAR Group (CAR), CSL (CSL), IDP Education Ltd (IEL), Mineral Resources Limited (MIN), Pilbara Minerals Limited (PLS), REA Group (REA), ResMed (RMD), Santos Ltd (STO), Stockland (SGP). S&P/ASX Emerging Companies: Amaero International Ltd (ASX:3DA), Bannerman Energy Ltd(BMN), CEDAR WOODS PROPERTIES LIMITED (CWP), Chrysos Corporation (C79), DUG Technology (DUG), Lindsay Australia Ltd (LAU), Lunnon Metals Ltd (LM8), Metro Mining Ltd (ASX:MMI) (MMI), Santana Minerals Ltd (SMI), Southern Cross Gold (SXG). To receive a copy of the December Quarter 2024 edition, speak to your Shaw and Partners Adviser or contact us via https://lnkd.in/fGR-VHa #shawandpartners #economics #investing #wealthmanagement #financialservices #realestate #technology #interestrates #software #supplychain #energytransition #agriculture

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We handpicked some deals funded in May 2024 to showcase some highlights, and we want to talk about what are the important things that matter to your clients beyond just headline pricing? Deal example 1: A house at Sydney Eastern Suburb valued at $12mil, 12mth term with 3mth capitalized interest 70% LVR. What’s so special about this deal? Large loan amount at $8.4mil funded with $3mil cash out for another purchase, complex ownership structure Deal example 2: A row of shops x5 in Victoria, 6mth term with 3mth capitalized interest 65% LVR What’s so special about this deal? Multiple security at various suburbs crossed together in a single loan Deal example 3: Prestige house and luxury apartment crossed, loan $5.5mil, 12mth term with 6mth capitalized interest What’s so special about this deal? Multiple security crossed, refinance from another lender Deal example 4: Golf course + hotel with top up $1mil, total exposure $4mil+, 12mth term with 3mth capitalized interest What’s so special about this deal? Niche property in South Australia, top up in multiple tranches to save costs Deal example 5: Standard residential at regional NSW $900,000, 12mth term with full term capitalized interest What’s so special about this deal? Rollover/extension of term, no postcode restrictions Deal example 6: Standard residential in Sydney 60% LVR loan amount $2.3mil, 3mth term with full term capitalized interest What’s so special about this deal? Rollover/extension of term – 1 month rollover only accepted Deal example 7: A standard property in Sydney lower north shore valued $4mil+, funded at 75% LVR What’s so special about this deal? Application to settlement in three working days AND...important things to look at, focus beyond just the headline pricing: Certainty of funding & transparency of terms and pricing Flexible loan amount, loan term and repayment type Capacity to allow rollover/extension and top up Speed of delivery, we lend our own fund Work with broker partner and borrower when situation goes sideway N1 offers real flexibility in private lending. Reach out to our friendly team and speaks directly to decision makers. We control and lend our own fund and we don't have restrictive policy. N1H currently manages about $155mil and funding sits in our account ready for immediate deployment. N1H, as a direct lender, aims to uphold elevated standards in private lending through ethical practices, diligent governance, and a commitment to strong compliance. Have a scenario? [email protected]

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Tune into ausbiz at AEDT 10:30am this morning where I'll be covering the significant trends across several key sectors, driven by strategic divestitures, private equity investments, and consolidation in energy, healthcare, and real estate - these trends underscore the dynamic nature of the current M&A landscape. #MergersAndAcquisitions #PrivateEquity #Healthcare #EnergySector #RealEstate #Divestitures #CrossBorderDeals #BusinessStrategy #CorporateFinance

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Geopolitics is heavily impacting Australian retail. Our latest report explains key geopolitical trends and how retailers can build resilience.

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Three years ago, Graham Strain boldly predicted that "CitoPlus could be the NextGen of commercial lending".  Our recent investment in CitoPlus' Series A fundraising reflects a deep belief in this potential. The Australian commercial lending market has long been trapped in paperwork, manual processes, and frustratingly slow approvals. Business owners know this pain all too well - that's why many have traditionally relied on brokers to navigate this complex landscape. But the market is changing. Brokers are increasingly seeking digital solutions that can deliver what businesses desperately want: speed, certainty, and transparency. Citoplus has built a digital platform that enables brokers to automate the collection of key data, complete digital pre-assessments, and digital digitally submit (and resubmit) loan applications with unprecedented efficiency.   The vision is compelling - a streamlined commercial lending process that makes financing faster and more accessible for Australian business owners, brokers, and banks like ANZ. 1835i are proud to have co-lead this investment with NAB Ventures!

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Why is there such a significant difference between KiwiSaver fund performance across providers? 🤔 If you look at growth funds over the last five years, the top performer is averaging 10.6%, while the worst is around 5.7%... It seems like a big discrepancy, especially given how similar these two institutions are in size and scale. Wouldn’t they all have access to the same resources and similar talent? These are professionals managing our money, yet sometimes it feels like the average Sharsies account is doing better. It’s something I’ve been thinking about recently—what truly drives a top-performing KiwiSaver provider? In my experience, internal culture plays a crucial role, yet it often gets overlooked in public analyses. Fund managers are similar to professional sports teams in many ways. Some consistently make the finals, while others with just as much talent can’t seem to pull it together. The best football coach I had would always preach - “winning is a culture.” How that winning culture is cultivated in a business is super important. Are all staff focused on a common goal, and are all incentives aligned? One of NZ’s top-performing KiwiSaver providers achieves this by requiring employees to invest in their KiwiSaver and managed funds. This creates a “we are all in this together” mentality, which aligns incentives with all stakeholders—including their clients. Seems so obvious—I wouldn’t want to invest in a fund if the people running it weren’t investing alongside me… Something worth thinking about 💭 www.moneyguide.co.nz 🚀

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This new cost impost is further evidence for the need of a change in mindset by industry leaders. Digital advice ( full personal with SoA generation and same level of consumer protection) is live in Australia and already accessible through Otivo. Importantly it addresses the 99% of the market not the 1%, and as such, offers a social step to better financial wellbeing for millions of unadvised Australians. Hopefully the retail platform market will embrace what was an idea and is now live, operating, in demand and has a track record of member feedback. Excellent DD.

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Forget about just asset management, is there an Australian business in ANY industry like Betashares?! That is, one that has taken on the global incumbents on a level playing field and done so well? The AFR has a terrific graph today showing flows YTD, with BetaShares in number one position (I'll past it in comments). And now with their own D2C investing solution BetaShares Direct they are transitioning from fast-commoditising (already commoditised?) asset management into stickier, higher-margin wealth management. (And when I say "stickier", think "for the customer's entire life".) And who'd bet against them: they have that rare trifecta of Ambition+Strategy+Determination. Reminder: they're only 14 years old!! #CallToAction

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Bing bong. Over the past 24 hours the Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI) and retail sales figures were released. I’m a nerd and look forward to the data release at the end of each month… Retail sales continue to trend lower than forecasts and according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), measured 0.1% for the month (2024). Many of the discretionary spending categories, such as food retailing and clothing, trended lower which does indicate spending is slowing. Interestingly, the data is skewed between states. NSW and SA saw an increase in spending whilst the remaining states and territories saw a decline (source: ABS, 2024). Inflation does appear to be sticky and rose to 3.6% in the 12 months to April (source: ABS, 2024). This pattern is following similar counties such as the USA. Two core buckets contributed to the higher print including housing (+4.9%) and transport, which also includes fuel, at +4.2% (source: ABS, 2024). Will sticky inflation persist? Fuel is coming down and many of the larger grocery chains are launching inflation-busting discounts though may take time to reflect in CPI baskets and figures. It appears housing is going to remain the risk for any movements in interest rates over the next few months. Follow me for daily short financial updates.

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At Skyecap, we're revolutionizing private lending for Australian SMEs. Our cutting-edge fintech platform is breaking barriers in business funding: -90% approval rate -Loans from $2,000 to $250,000 AUD -Funds transferred in under 2 hours Whether it's expanding your workforce, upgrading technology, or seizing new market opportunities, Skyecap provides the financial agility businesses need to thrive in today's fast-paced economy. As we continue to innovate in the Australian financial landscape, I'm eager to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and finance professionals. How is rapid access to capital transforming your industry? Let's discuss the future of business financing. #FinTech #BusinessFunding #AustralianSMEs #FinancialInnovation

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As demonstrated by the AFR yet again, Private Credit is the hottest investment topic now, but not all Private Credit is equal. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gm7qSfEk to join Jonathan Ng, head of investments at Reach Alternative Investments for insights into the world of private credit, and discover the difference between Global Private Credit and opportunities generally available in Australia.

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The VC ecosystem in Australia has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has evolved from being smaller than total wagers placed on Melbourne Cup Day to becoming the most capital-efficient country in producing unicorns. Against the backdrop of democratization of venture capital and private equity markets, we are committed to building future-proof portfolios and address clients’ needs for intergenerational wealth transfer.

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🚀 Big news in retail! 🚀 Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) and Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV) have announced a merger that will reshape the landscape in Australia and New Zealand! At the time of writing, Myer shares are up 5% to $1.02, while Premier soared 15% to $35.67 📈. This deal will bring together popular brands like Just Jeans, Jay Jays, and Portmans, creating a powerhouse with a projected $4 billion in revenue, 783 stores, and a workforce of 17,300! Premier’s chair, Solomon Lew, will join Myer’s board, and Premier will retain its iconic Peter Alexander and Smiggle brands to focus on growth. Exciting times ahead for both teams as they embark on this transformative journey! https://lnkd.in/gCKZAqU6 #RetailMerger #Myer #PremierInvestments #ASX #RetailGrowth

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Yesterday was my last official day as CEO of the BNZ Investments business and the end of almost 24 years at various NAB Group entities and most recently FirstCape. I feel immensely blessed to have "grown up" and had such a varied international career largely under the umbrella of one organisation. More importantly I've been able to work with some incredible people and made a lot of wonderful friends along the way. I've felt very supported since the news of my departure broke a few months ago (thanks!) and a lot of people have asked how I'm doing. The honest answer is that I've never been better. I had not been without a job in over 30 years and 3 months of gardening leave has been one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. I've ticked a lot of things off an incredibly long to-do list, am feeling as fit and healthy as I've felt in years and am mentally in a great space. I've described myself as feeling a bit like a university student again - learning a lot, not necessarily sure of what the future holds but knowing that it's going to be excellent! The second question that I get asked is "what are doing now and where are you going?". That's a more involved series of questions to answer. To start, here's a list of things I have been doing: - getting healthy, I'm back to the gym (F45) 5-6 mornings a week; - skied 4 mountains in 4 days in September; - put the finishing touches on our renovation and sold our house; - 4 weeks spent on the east coast of Australia getting quality time with family and friends; - doing an 8-week course on emotionally coaching kids (better late than never); - taking daily French lessons (I highly recommend Pimsleur for those wanting to learn a language); and - accepting every possible coffee or lunch invite and drinking good wine with friends. As for what's next, in the short-term I'll be: - doing some consulting work; - simplifying our lives - selling or giving/throwing away most of our worldly possessions and putting whatever remains into a storage unit; - investing; - spending time learning with a particular focus on AI; - finally getting myself an official golf handicap; and - continuing to reconnect with family, friends and former colleagues. In mid-December we will head back to Australia for a few weeks. After that we will fly to Europe for 3 months basing ourselves in Serre Chevalier in the southern French alps. There will be lots of skiing with family and friends and some touring around Spain & Portugal. Where to medium-term? Time will tell. We are deliberately mobile and open to new adventures. I'm keen to stay in Financial Services but also open-minded as to what that looks like. If you've read to this point - thanks for your interest. Drop me a message, let's catch up properly!

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💡 Struggling with rising energy bills and managing finances in this tough market? You're not alone. With inflation driving costs higher, Australians—especially Gen Z and Millennials—are feeling the pinch when it comes to everyday expenses. That's where Cents2Bills comes in. Our platform helps you take control of your bills through smart automation, cashback offers, and round-up features that make saving easier. 📊 Did you know? >76% of young Australians (aged 18-34) say they are stressed about their finances. >50% of them report struggling with rising utility costs. >Cents2Bills users are rounding up and paying bills for major energy providers every day. With over 1000 cashback offers from brands and easy integration with BPAY, Cents2Bills allows you to: ✅ Round up daily transactions to save for big bills ✅ Pay bills across energy, council rates, superannuation, memberships, and more ✅ Access tailored offers that save you money while you spend 🎯 How can this help Gen Z & Millennials? >Automate bill payments and savings without even thinking about it. >Take advantage of cashback offers that reduce financial pressure. >Build good financial habits with tools designed to make bill management easier.   🔗 Download the app today: https://lnkd.in/g6X8mG5R #FinancialFreedom #BillPayments #EnergySavings #MillennialMoney #GenZFinance #Cents2Bills #Cashback #SmartSaving

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🤔 Industrial sales prices are falling in #Australia, while average wages and input costs are rising, leading to a big margin squeeze spiral that needs to be addressed. 💄 Inflation is sticky and embedded in the domestic economy, with housing, rent, post-rebate energy prices and wage pressures likely to remain regardless of whether the #RBA’s next move is a hike, pause, or cut. This is because almost all #inflation is driven by items influenced by domestic factors (non-tradables) under highly interventionist governments, making it sticky. 🏆 Meanwhile, other economies are at or near their preferred inflation target ranges. 💡 The RBA board faces critical decisions before its next meeting. Will they hike rates to try and get inflation back to target quicker and risk stimulating the saver wealth effect, pause again to make a future cut more impactful/needed, or opt for a cut to support economic growth? Tap the spiral below to access some charts that show our Aussie margin squeeze in full flight. Think about how your business #strategy and domestic #investment portfolio might change if margin squeeze continues and have yourself a great June quarter CPI hump day! #ceos #cfos #familyoffices #familybusiness #gold #silver #copper #oil #uranium #bitcoin #crypto #collectibles #wine #fineart #nfts #corporatefinance #mergers #corporatedevelopment #managementconsulting #fundraising #construction #mining #money #management #markets #investing #economy #economics #macroeconomics #technology #valuation #multiples #business #finance #businessintelligence #takeovers #strategy #sustainability #future #entrepreneurship #venturecapital

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Departments of Treasury around the world (including here in Australia) are grappling to decipher meaning from the US election on their economies.   Let me quote from two of the smartest and most influential players in the market. First, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says: “In the near term the election will have no effects on our policy decisions." Then there is Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock who said: “The reality is over time it doesn’t matter.” In other words, we are starting at the same point, and we will ultimately get to the same destination. However, the trick will be, what does the journey look like? You would have to say, volatile.   Companies and governments that are transparent, consistent, and empathetic can build trust and reassure stakeholders, even when outcomes remain unknown. Maintaining open channels, addressing concerns, and providing clarity on actions and long-term goals are essential to keeping stakeholders engaged and supportive particularly during challenging times.

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