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May 2023

Contemporary products to provide advanced capabilities for accountants

By Accountants Daily, In the Media, IndustryNo Comments

Written by Phillip King and Josh Needs
Published by Accountants Daily on 30 May 2023
Click here to read on the Accountants Daily website

The SMSF and personal finance platforms will allow accountants to supply greater analysis to their clients.

Melbourne fintech start-up Fiduciary Financial Services has launched two digital advice platforms aimed at accountants who lack an AFSL.

Both accountantsGPS, which targets SMSFs, and sister product moneyGPS, which tackles personal finance, allow accountants to supply advice for a subscription fee.

Fiduciary co-founder George Haramis said accountantsGPS was the first digital platform of its kind.

“The digital SMSF check-up report provides a comprehensive analysis of a fund’s compliance and financial situation to evaluate how a fund is progressing in many key areas,” he said.

“The report includes SMSF documentation, investment performance, investment policy development, contribution strategies, investment property performance and debt position, insurance and estate planning.”

“Importantly, it helps trustees and members meet their compliance obligations, as well as their longer-term investment and retirement goals – with access to specialist providers for assistance, if required.”

AccountantsGPS will be joined in July by moneyGPS, which combines AI and human expertise to deliver personal financial advice via an online portal for between $50 to $180 per topic.

“We know that accountants are passionate about the welfare of their clients and now they can offer them accessible and affordable financial advice at a price point that is much more affordable than traditional methods,” Mr Haramis said.

“The moneyGPS service also works alongside any in-house advice service, offering additional support to advisers.”

Mr Haramis said both products operate without commission and provide the ability to share platform insights with clients without a need to be licensed to offer any services within them, the firm also said it rebated the majority of referral fees to the accountant or a charity.

The firm said partnerships for the platforms were in progress as accountantsGPS and its SMSF Check-Up Reports had partnered with BGL Corporate Solutions to make it available as part of their SimpleFund 360 service, and also with Melbourne firm Smarter SMSF.

May 31, 2023
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BGL recognised as Victorian State Winner of the 2023 Australian Achiever Awards

By In the Media, Industry, XU MagazineNo Comments

Published by XU Magazine on 30 May 2023
Click here to read on the XU Magazine website

BGL recognised as Victorian State Winner of the 2023 Australian Achiever Awards

BGL Corporate Solutions, Australia’s leading provider of company compliance, self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) and investment portfolio management software, has been recognised as Victorian State Winner of the 2023 Australian Achiever Award with a sensational score of 98.80% for customer satisfaction.

The award included special recognition of Ron Lesh, Daniel Tramontana, Adriana Cavallo, Damien Gunatillake, Luca Ranellone and Peter Di Stefano for their remarkable customer service.

“This is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the BGL Team. I am incredibly proud!” said Ron Lesh, BGL’s Managing Director. “This is the 18th Australian Achiever Award won by BGL and proves again and again our commitment to providing remarkable experiences and sensational customer service to our clients.”

Australian Achiever Awards are an independent award system based on assessments from the business customers. The award system focuses on eight criteria: Time-related Service, Addressing Client Needs, Care and Attention, Value, Attitude, Communication, Overall Perception and Referral. The judging process for 2023’s Australian Achiever Awards for Australia’s Information & Communications Technology Services category was completed on 5 May 2023.

“I am very proud that BGL achieved an impressive customer satisfaction score of 98.80% as well as being named the Victorian State Winner” added Lesh. “As a business, our goal is to provide exceptional service that distinguishes us from others and excites our clients and to be acknowledged for our efforts, most importantly by our clients, is truly wonderful.”

“Congratulations must go to the entire BGL Team on this well-deserved recognition and it was great to see Daniel, Adriana, Damien, Luca, and Peter mentioned in the award presentation. A huge thanks also to all our clients and partners for your continued support. We would not win these awards without all of you!” added Lesh.

The recognition was accompanied by glowing testimonials from our clients, exemplifying BGL’s remarkable customer service.

“The BGL Corporate Solutions team are super friendly and helpful. There is nothing that is too much trouble for them. They are happy to answer any of my questions, even if the answers are obvious. The dealings I have with them feel more like a personal relationship rather than us being a customer. They are the best business that I deal with. I describe Ron, Daniel, Adriana & Damien as my fabulous four.”

“BGL Corporate Solutions are easy to deal with. They understand our needs and what we are looking for. Their program that we use is user-friendly. And they are always happy to help us.”

“They offer us day-to-day support. My business development manager handles my queries. I can call Peter directly; we have open lines of communication. He is efficient in following up and calls back straight away. They are constantly working on their software development and making sure we use the software to optimal effect. And they are always finding solutions for us.

When they come to Sydney, they touch base with us in person. I enjoy their automated customer service, as they reply within twenty-four hours.”

May 30, 2023
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BGL recognised as Victorian State Winner of the 2023 Australian Achiever Awards

By Australian FinTech, In the Media, IndustryNo Comments

Published by Australian Fintech on 29 May 2023
Click here to read on the Australian Fintech website

BGL recognised as Victorian State Winner of the 2023 Australian Achiever Awards

BGL Corporate Solutions, Australia’s leading provider of company compliance, self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) and investment portfolio management software, has been recognised as Victorian State Winner of the 2023 Australian Achiever Award with a sensational score of 98.80% for customer satisfaction.

The award included special recognition of Ron Lesh, Daniel Tramontana, Adriana Cavallo, Damien Gunatillake, Luca Ranellone and Peter Di Stefano for their remarkable customer service.

“This is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the BGL Team. I am incredibly proud!” said Ron Lesh, BGL’s Managing Director. “This is the 18th Australian Achiever Award won by BGL and proves again and again our commitment to providing remarkable experiences and sensational customer service to our clients.”

Australian Achiever Awards are an independent award system based on assessments from the business customers. The award system focuses on eight criteria: Time-related Service, Addressing Client Needs, Care and Attention, Value, Attitude, Communication, Overall Perception and Referral. The judging process for 2023’s Australian Achiever Awards for Australia’s Information & Communications Technology Services category was completed on 5 May 2023.

“I am very proud that BGL achieved an impressive customer satisfaction score of 98.80% as well as being named the Victorian State Winner” added Lesh. “As a business, our goal is to provide exceptional service that distinguishes us from others and excites our clients and to be acknowledged for our efforts, most importantly by our clients, is truly wonderful.”

“Congratulations must go to the entire BGL Team on this well-deserved recognition and it was great to see Daniel, Adriana, Damien, Luca, and Peter mentioned in the award presentation. A huge thanks also to all our clients and partners for your continued support. We would not win these awards without all of you!” added Lesh.

The recognition was accompanied by glowing testimonials from our clients, exemplifying BGL’s remarkable customer service.

“The BGL Corporate Solutions team are super friendly and helpful. There is nothing that is too much trouble for them. They are happy to answer any of my questions, even if the answers are obvious. The dealings I have with them feel more like a personal relationship rather than us being a customer. They are the best business that I deal with. I describe Ron, Daniel, Adriana & Damien as my fabulous four.”

“BGL Corporate Solutions are easy to deal with. They understand our needs and what we are looking for. Their program that we use is user-friendly. And they are always happy to help us.”

“They offer us day-to-day support. My business development manager handles my queries. I can call Peter directly; we have open lines of communication. He is efficient in following up and calls back straight away. They are constantly working on their software development and making sure we use the software to optimal effect. And they are always finding solutions for us.

When they come to Sydney, they touch base with us in person. I enjoy their automated customer service, as they reply within twenty-four hours.”

May 29, 2023
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BGL recognised as Victorian State Winner of the 2023 Australian Achiever Awards

By BGL Update, In the MediaNo Comments

BGL is proud to be recognised as Victorian State Winner of the 2023 Australian Achiever Award with a sensational score of 98.80% for customer satisfaction.

The award included special recognition of Ron Lesh, Daniel Tramontana, Adriana Cavallo, Damien Gunatillake, Luca Ranellone and Peter Di Stefano for their remarkable customer service.

“This is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the BGL Team. I am incredibly proud!” said Ron Lesh, BGL’s Managing Director. “This is the 18th Australian Achiever Award won by BGL and proves, again and again, our commitment to providing remarkable experiences and sensational customer service to our clients”.

Australian Achiever Awards are an independent award system based on assessments from the business customers. The award system focuses on eight criteria: Time-related Service, Addressing Client Needs, Care and Attention, Value, Attitude, Communication, Overall Perception and Referral. The judging process for 2023’s Australian Achiever Awards for Australia’s Information & Communications Technology Services category was completed on 5 May 2023.

“I am very proud that BGL achieved an impressive customer satisfaction score of 98.80% as well as being named the Victorian State Winner” added Lesh. “As a business, our goal is to provide exceptional service that distinguishes us from others and excites our clients and to be acknowledged for our efforts, most importantly by our clients, is truly wonderful”.

“Congratulations must go to the entire BGL Team on this well-deserved recognition and it was great to see Daniel, Adriana, Damien, Luca, and Peter mentioned in the award presentation. A huge thanks also to all our clients and partners for your continued support. We would not win these awards without all of you!” added Lesh.

The recognition was accompanied by glowing testimonials from our clients, exemplifying BGL’s remarkable customer service. 

“The BGL Corporate Solutions team are super friendly and helpful. There is nothing that is too much trouble for them. They are happy to answer any of my questions, even if the answers are obvious. The dealings I have with them feel more like a personal relationship rather than us being a customer. They are the best business that I deal with. I describe Ron, Daniel, Adriana & Damien as my fabulous four.”

“BGL Corporate Solutions are easy to deal with. They understand our needs and what we are looking for. Their program that we use is user-friendly. And they are always happy to help us.”

“They offer us day-to-day support. My business development manager handles my queries. I can call Peter directly; we have open lines of communication. He is efficient in following up and calls back straight away. They are constantly working on their software development and making sure we use the software to optimal effect. And they are always finding solutions for us. When they come to Sydney, they touch base with us in person. I enjoy their automated customer service, as they reply within twenty-four hours.”

May 26, 2023
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101 days in! A short reflection…

By BGL Update, CultureNo Comments

A short reflection on my first 101 days as CEO at BGL that I would like to share with you

Here goes…

1. People matter and always will – people make things happen. A good percentage of your time must be allocated to investing in your people.

2. Grow and appoint from within don’t fly them in – I am a huge advocate of this. Apart from providing opportunity, those who step up are the ones who have embraced the business, the culture and the people.

3. Enlarge the shadow – set the stage. The more you grow and build the people, the larger the shadow becomes but you need to be comfortable with the fact that you become lesser and others become more. This is very liberating but requires courage.

4. Focus on the business you are in – keep building amazing products – Why people transact with us, keep investing in who we are to ensure they stay. Don’t be distracted by voices. Invest in your strengths and make points of differentiation difficult to replicate that they remain the source of competitive advantage.

5. Get curious – ask questions and genuinely show interest in what your people do. Take the time to listen and learn. Be visible and within reach of your people. Engage and encourage dialogue.

6. Stay humble and vulnerable – never forget where you came from. Reflect on your steps and draw wisdom from such to carve a better way for the people. Don’t be afraid to say I don’t know and apologise genuinely when you make a mistake.

7. Values do not change. Behaviour doesn’t either – make no excuse for protecting and preserving your culture. Tough decisions are at times needed. Remember, the standard you accept becomes the standard tolerated.

8. Develop – Trust – Belief – release people to holistically be their best. When they are struggling, embrace them. Show mercy, grace, understanding and genuine care. Get them back on their feet and into the game.

9. Gratitude – live it out as often as you can. Be deliberate about it. Send the message. Make the call. Demonstrate your appreciation. Set aside time to be grateful and express gratefulness.

10. Solo doesn’t cut it – develop a strong inner circle of strong and courageous people who are best qualified to do the job, whose best interest is that of the team. People that will challenge and inspire you to be better. Accountability in such circles is 2 way.

11. Tell the story – connect people to the core of who you are and the path travelled. There is so much power in connecting people to the journey and setting them on the path to where you are going.

12. Legacy – the foundation you build on. Not one you discard. A pillar of strength that has weathered all seasons and stood the test of time. Its roots are deeply entrenched in Who you are as a business, what you stand for as a people and where you are going as a team.

I hope this reflection is helpful to you. Be amazing!

Pretty excited by what is ahead for the BGL Corporate Solutions team!

May 25, 2023
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BGL integrates with Compare n Save – a hassle-free loan comparison solution

By In the Media, Industry, XU MagazineNo Comments

Published by XU Magazine on 22 May 2023
Click here to read on the XU Magazine website

BGL integrates with Compare n Save - a hassle-free loan comparison solution

BGL Corporate Solutions (BGL), Australia’s leading provider of company compliance, self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) and investment portfolio management software, is proud to announce the launch of its integration with loan comparison service provider, Compare n Save.

‍“We are excited to add Compare n Save to the BGL Ecosystem”, said Ron Lesh, BGL’s Managing Director. “This integration will provide BGL’s Simple Fund 360 and Simple Invest 360 clients with a hassle-free and simple loan comparison solution that will add value to their customer service offering.”

‍Compare n Save is a fintech platform with an ownership stake in TAG Finance and Loans, a traditional mortgage broking fulfilment business. “We are extremely proud of the BGL partnership. It is a glowing endorsement of our fintech and fulfilment capabilities and further strengthens our relationship with BGL”, said Sal Cinque, Director of Compare n Save and CEO of TAG Finance and Loans.

‍Brad Wilkinson, Head of Ecosystem at BGL, said: “The BGL and Compare n Save integration will help advisors, accountants, and other BGL clients compare hundreds of loans from more than 30 of Australia’s top banks and other lenders for home, investment and SMSFs. It will also help clients easily structure debt for property purchases and conduct regular loan reviews to lower interest costs for their clients. Loans are fulfilled via an experienced broker network with access to over 500 brokers nationally.”

BGL clients can access the Compare n Save app within their Simple Fund 360 and Simple Invest 360 Property Console screen or via the BGL Ecosystem.

BGL’s free and open API is used extensively across the industry. Over 350 data feed and integration partners in the BGL Ecosystem deliver a holistic experience to our clients.

May 22, 2023
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BGL integrates with Compare n Save – a hassle-free loan comparison solution

By Australian FinTech, In the Media, IndustryNo Comments

Published by Australian Fintech on 22 May 2023
Click here to read on the Australian Fintech website

BGL integrates with Compare n Save - a hassle-free loan comparison solution

BGL Corporate Solutions (BGL), Australia’s leading provider of company compliance, self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) and investment portfolio management software, have announced the launch of its integration with loan comparison service provider, Compare n Save.

“We are excited to add Compare n Save to the BGL Ecosystem,” said Ron Lesh, BGL’s Managing Director. “This integration will provide BGL’s Simple Fund 360 and Simple Invest 360 clients with a hassle-free and simple loan comparison solution that will add value to their customer service offering.”

Compare n Save is a fintech platform with an ownership stake in TAG Finance and Loans, a traditional mortgage broking fulfilment business. “We are extremely proud of the BGL partnership. It is a glowing endorsement of our fintech and fulfilment capabilities and further strengthens our relationship with BGL,” said Sal Cinque, Director of Compare n Save and CEO of TAG Finance and Loans.

Brad Wilkinson, Head of Ecosystem at BGL, said, “The BGL and Compare n Save integration will help advisors, accountants, and other BGL clients compare hundreds of loans from more than 30 of Australia’s top banks and other lenders for home, investment and SMSFs. It will also help clients easily structure debt for property purchases and conduct regular loan reviews to lower interest costs for their clients. Loans are fulfilled via an experienced broker network with access to over 500 brokers nationally.”

BGL clients can access the Compare n Save app within their Simple Fund 360 and Simple Invest 360 Property Console screen or via the BGL Ecosystem.

BGL’s free and open API is used extensively across the industry. Over 350 data feed and integration partners in the BGL Ecosystem deliver a holistic experience to our clients.

May 22, 2023
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BGL integrates with Compare n Save – a hassle-free loan comparison solution

By BGL Update, Simple Fund 360, Simple Invest 360No Comments

BGL is proud to announce the launch of its integration with loan comparison service provider, Compare n Save.

“We are excited to add Compare n Save to the BGL Ecosystem,” said Ron Lesh, BGL’s Managing Director. “This integration will provide BGL’s Simple Fund 360 and Simple Invest 360 clients with a hassle-free and simple loan comparison solution that will add value to their customer service offering.”

Compare n Save is a fintech platform with an ownership stake in TAG Finance and Loans, a traditional mortgage broking fulfilment business. “We are extremely proud of the BGL partnership. It is a glowing endorsement of our fintech and fulfilment capabilities and further strengthens our relationship with BGL”, said Sal Cinque, Director of Compare n Save and CEO of TAG Finance and Loans.

Brad Wilkinson, Head of Ecosystem at BGL, said: “The BGL and Compare n Save integration will help advisors, accountants, and other BGL clients compare hundreds of loans from more than 30 of Australia’s top banks and other lenders for home, investment and SMSFs. It will also help clients easily structure debt for property purchases and conduct regular loan reviews to lower interest costs for their clients. Loans are fulfilled via an experienced broker network with access to over 500 brokers nationally.”

BGL clients can access the Compare n Save app within their Simple Fund 360 and Simple Invest 360 Property Console screen or via the BGL Ecosystem.

BGL’s free and open API is used extensively across the industry. Over 350 data feed and integration partners in the BGL Ecosystem deliver a holistic experience to our clients.

May 22, 2023
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QAR needs to consider specialisation of SMSF advice

By In the Media, Industry, SMSF AdviserNo Comments

Written by Keeli Cambourne
Published by SMSF Adviser on 19 May 2023
Click here to read on the SMSF Adviser website

As the debate continues to rage around the Quality of Advice Review, an SMSF industry expert has suggested the Government needs to consider the speciality aspect involved in sector.

In the latest SMSF Adviser podcast, Aaron Dunn, CEO of Smarter SMSF, said the current proposals from the Government go against the reason the reforms were put in place in the first place.

“We’ve heard some views from the SMSF Association that suggested that this idea of an experience-only pathway kind of goes against why those reforms were put in place in the first place in terms of increasing professional standards and education for advisors,” he said.

“I guess from the SMSF point of view, it has been, for a long time, trying to acknowledge the fact that when you think about those that can advise in the SMSF space, there’s a level of specialisation that occurs.

“And then we’re seeing the FAAA advocating for a long-time for the recognition of experienced advisors, and the fact we’ve seen a huge attrition in the industry.”

Mr Dunn said he understands the Government is trying to find a balance but, in terms of what the SMSF Association said in its submission, it also needs to ensure, that it recognises there are pockets of the industry that have a level of specialisation.

“It’s the old analogy where you’ve got general practitioners, and then you have surgeons,” he said.

“It’s about finding the right level of experience, and then finding the right levels of specialties into those areas, because you don’t want a general practitioner advising on speciality surgical techniques.

“SMSFs are unique and have their own complexities so you want to ensure that you’re engaging with those that are suitably qualified to be able to provide that advice.

“It is a juggling act that the government is trying to balance here and I certainly don’t envy them, because you’re they’re going to have competing demands on both sides of the equation.”

Meanwhile, in a recent webinar, DBA Lawyers senior Associate Shaun Backhaus commented that while the QAR report didn’t address any matters specific to the SMSF sector, it did consider changes to the advice that could be provided by (APRA)-regulated funds.

“The report suggested the trustees of APRA-regulated funds be allowed to provide personal advice to members and charge them for it,” he said.

“However, the proposal is that the trustees of large super funds would be able to provide personal advice to members taking into account their wider circumstances, including the spouse’s circumstances and presumably what spouses are owning, and so on.

“As such, is it going to be possible to put a balance into one of these large funds and then get advice that takes into account your SMSF benefits as well?

“The SMSF is part of your wider personal advice needs and the fund would not be able to give proper personal advice without taking into account someone’s SMSF as well.”

May 19, 2023
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