CFS Launches New Advisory Initiative with Viridian
CFS Launches New Advisory Initiative with Viridian
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Colonial First State (CFS) is reshaping personal finance support by engaging with Viridian Advisory.
This initiative aims to aid FirstChoice superannuation, pension, and investment members seeking guidance without ongoing financial advisement.
The collaboration brings a novel approach to receive one-time, topic-focused advice tailored to individual needs.
Through this arrangement, CFS members have the opportunity to seek advice from Viridian Advisory on a variety of financial matters. Topics range from personal investments and debt management to superannuation, pensions, retirement planning, and navigating Centrelink. This service provides members a way to gain meaningful advice without needing a regular financial adviser.
Customers of CFS FirstChoice can benefit from this service by engaging in modular financial advice sessions. The initial cost for a single module starts at $500, with a combined total cap of $3000, allowing flexibility for clients to select and pay only for the advice they need.
The introduction of this modular advisory service addresses the growing demand for affordable financial guidance among the CFS member base. According to the organization, Viridian Advisory was selected due to their expansive reach, scalability, and enthusiasm to develop a targeted, cost-effective advising model for CFS members.
CFS is contemplating future expansions to this model by teaming up with additional licensees as the demand for advisory services rises. This partnership is one of many initiatives by CFS to ensure their members have diverse access to financial advice.
Beyond partnership with Viridian, CFS has previously collaborated with Otivo to offer self-guided digital financial advisory tools. They also provide the "Find an Adviser" tool to help members connect with the most suitable financial adviser available.
Historically, Viridian has been deeply rooted in professional partnerships and serves as a cornerstone client on the CFS Edge platform, marking a significant step forward in their cooperative efforts since their support of Westpac/BT.
Published:Tuesday, 5th Nov 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
In February 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) reduced the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it down to 4.10%. This move, the first rate cut since November 2020, aims to stimulate economic growth amid slowing inflation and global uncertainties. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change, introducing a 20% cap on new loans with a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio exceeding six times the borrower's income. This measure, effective from February 2026, aims to mitigate potential risks associated with high levels of household debt. - read more
In recent years, Australia has witnessed the emergence of cryptocurrency-backed loans, where digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum are used as collateral. This innovative lending practice offers borrowers access to funds without liquidating their crypto holdings, appealing to those who anticipate future appreciation of their digital assets. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending. This measure applies to both owner-occupiers and investors, with an exemption for new housing developments. - read more
Recent data reveals that Australia's household debt has escalated to 182% of disposable income, positioning the nation as having the second-highest household debt globally. This significant figure underscores the growing reliance on borrowing among Australian households, particularly in the realm of mortgage lending. - read more
High-interest debt can feel like a relentless cycle for many in Australia, often making it challenging to gain financial ground. Whether it's credit card debt, personal loans, or other forms of borrowing, the compounded interest can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, debt negotiation presents a viable solution for those caught in this dilemma, offering a ray of hope to reduce financial burden. - read more
Welcome to our guide on avoiding common mistakes when consolidating debts. We're glad you're here, as taking the time to educate yourself is a crucial step towards financial well-being. - read more
Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to manage your money. Essentially, it allows you to allocate your income towards expenses, savings, and other financial goals. By keeping track of where your money goes, budgeting helps you ensure that you are not overspending and are prepared for future financial needs. - read more
Welcome, readers! We're here to talk about something incredibly important yet often overlooked: improving your credit score. Your credit score is a financial report card used to evaluate your creditworthiness, and it can have a significant impact on your ability to secure loans, mortgages, and even rental agreements. - read more
Financial stability is a common aspiration, yet many Australians find themselves weighed down by the burden of debt. Whether it’s due to loans, credit cards, or unexpected financial emergencies, the struggle to stay afloat is a reality for countless individuals striving to achieve their dreams of a secure, debt-free future. - read more