As a fintech, FeeSynergy takes the matter of data security very seriously. In an ever-expanding universe of cloud-based apps, choosing the right ones to buy can be bewildering. Our view is that buyers should start with the matter of security. If the potential app does not meet an acceptable level of security (as judged by a security specialist) then give it a miss and look for an alternative. We invited leading information security expert Mark Hofman,...
Many commercial contracts contain clauses which entitle a party to terminate the contract or exercise other contractual rights where the counterparty suffers an insolvency event (such as the appointment of a voluntary administrator or receiver or the entry into a scheme of arrangement with creditors). That is, by the mere fact itself (“ipso facto”) that an insolvency event is suffered will usually enable the other party to terminate. As of 1 July 2018, the Treasury Laws...
The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) established a register for recording security interests held by creditors over certain types of personal property of debtors. The register, known as the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), may, for a trading company debtor, contain many registrations of security interests created by creditors, such as financiers and suppliers of goods and services on credit. However, a debtor having many security interests registered over it may unnecessarily risk portraying...
Gender equality in the workplace is a hot topic – research has shown that organisations with a culture of diversity are six times more likely to innovate, six times more likely to anticipate change and respond accordingly, and twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets than organisations who do not prioritise diversity. However, Australia has a way to go in this space. According to the latest Board Diversity Statistics released by the Australian...
In this edition, we have the honour to include an interview with someone who is making a difference to the working lives of those with neuro-diverse conditions such as autism, OCD and Tourette syndrome. Mike Tozer | Founder & CEO Xceptional I first became aware of Mike and his company Xceptional through the 2018 ABC TV series Employable Me – a truly inspiring and insightful series. Tell us about yourself. I’m Mike Tozer, Founder and CEO of Xceptional. I’ve...
Most accountants recognise Bstar as a company that invented a business valuation tool. We asked CEO Grant Bloxham about his company and its transformation and future direction. Grant Bloxham | CEO Bstar What does Bstar look like in 2018 and beyond? Over the last 18 months we have made substantial changes to improve and enhance our service offering. Our online Value Improvement Benchmarking Advice (viba) platform provides accountants with the structure and processes to introduce and grow high...
Patrick McComish | Head of Anti-Money Laundering and Commercial Information Equifax Regulatory background It’s been more than ten years since the arrival of Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (AML/CTF Act 2006), which regulates how reporting entities manage the risks of money laundering and terrorism financing. In Australia, AML/CTF compliance is currently limited to approximately 14,000 Reporting Entities. But increasing pressure to align Australia with other Financial Action Task Force (FATF) jurisdictions means changes to the Act (Tranche...
In this edition, we interview CountPlus Limited Matthew Rowe | CEO & Managing Director We first interviewed Matthew in 2014 in his then role of Managing Partner of leading Adelaide accounting firm Hood Sweeney. You have a long history in the accounting industry. What are some of the things you have done since resigning from Hood Sweeney in June 2015? I have a passion for professional accounting and advice and the benefits we deliver to our clients. My time...
Signatures are used for a number of different purposes, including: corroborating identities; confirming obligations; and as a form of acknowledgement or acceptance. In most instances, a signature is a handwritten name, mark or initial. However, more recently, signatures have taken on other forms, being displayed electronically or digitally. What is an Electronic Signature? An electronic signature often referred to as an “e-signature”, is data in an electronic form which enables individuals to sign digital materials. Today, most countries...
In this edition, we interview Prime Financial Group's CEO, Simon Madder. What is the history of Prime Financial Group? Prime Financial Group is an integrated Accounting and Business Advisory, Wealth Management and Capital Advisory firm that operates on a direct client advice model as well as a partnership model with other Accounting & Advisory firms. We established Prime 20 years ago with a very simple philosophy all around helping accountants to deliver clients a complete Accounting and Wealth...
