My key takeaways from Symphony 2025

At Symphony 2025, Andrew Wielandt explored how AI, data integrity, and smart tech adoption are reshaping our industry. 

Embracing tech while keeping clients at the core

The pace of change in financial services is staggering. It took 17 years for mobile phones to reach 100 million users—ChatGPT did it in just three months. In the past 14 months, technology has advanced as much as it did in the previous decade.

 

I recently attended Symphony 2025, where the focus was on how software, AI, and data are reshaping our industry. The key message? Technology should enhance, not replace, human expertise. Here are my top takeaways and what they mean for DP Wealth Advisory.

 

AI is a tool, not a replacement

AI can improve efficiency, but it still needs human oversight. One speaker described AI assistants as keen interns—they’ll do 80% of the work, but you need to check the final 20%.

 

We’re already using Microsoft CoPilot to streamline email management and meeting summaries. We chose CoPilot over other AI tools because of its privacy and security advantages, which are critical in financial services.

 

Data integrity is essential

Good data is the foundation of better client service. A Q&A panel showcased how businesses have improved efficiency and client experience through better data management.

 

To get the most from AI and automation, data needs to be accurate, regularly checked, and secure. We’re exploring Microsoft Dynamics to help us visualise and analyse data more effectively.

 

Small, steady changes drive success

Tech adoption should be measured and strategic, not rushed. The key to success is small, ongoing improvements. We’re focusing on:

 

Exploring Teams Phone with CRM – to improve communication and client service
Enhancing SharePoint use – for better file access and collaboration
Strengthening data security measures – to enhance document management and maintain a clear paper trail.

 

Keeping clients at the centre

Technology should free up time for client conversations, not replace them. AI can handle admin tasks, but our value lies in personal relationships and tailored financial advice.

 

The biggest risks? The speed of change and data privacy. That’s why we’re taking a careful approach—ensuring any tech we adopt meets the highest security standards while enhancing the client experience.

 

Final thoughts

The future of financial services is exciting, but technology should serve people, not the other way around. At DP Wealth Advisory, we’re embracing innovation while staying true to what matters—helping clients achieve their financial goals.

 

If you’d like to chat about what these trends mean for your financial future, get in touch with our team.

May 30, 2025
As the dust settles following the 2025 federal election, investors and retirees across Australia are facing new legislative realities—particularly around superannuation tax thresholds and broader wealth management strategies. At DP Wealth, we understand that policy change can be unsettling. Headlines about “panic selling” and “super tax shocks” make it easy to lose sight of the long game. But rest assured, with expert guidance and a clear plan, there are effective ways to stay ahead—and stay in control. Division 296 and the $3 million super balance cap From 1 July 2025, individuals with super balances over $3 million may be subject to an additional 15% tax on earnings linked to the amount above that threshold, including unrealised gains. Who does this affect? Self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees High net worth individuals nearing or exceeding the cap Those relying heavily on super for retirement and estate planning What should you be considering now? Does this change impact your retirement goals? Is your current structure still the most tax-effective for you? Would investing outside of super provide greater flexibility or advantages? Should you revise your contribution strategy before July 2025? Our team can walk you through different scenarios and work closely with your accountant and solicitor to ensure your plan remains efficient and aligned with your life goals. Tax Time 2025: Why Proactive Planning Is Your Best Asset Tax planning is never just about this year’s return. It’s about building strategies to: Preserve capital Optimise income distribution Minimise unnecessary tax liability Ensure intergenerational wealth transfer At DP Wealth, we’re committed to helping you stay on the front foot and ahead of the curve. We regularly review our clients’ portfolios to ensure they reflect both market conditions and legislative change. Key Strategies to Discuss with Your Financial Planner Here’s where personalised advice can deliver real value: Strategic Super Contributions - Make the most of concessional and non-concessional caps while they’re still available. Timing matters—especially leading up to July 2025. Diversified Investment Structures - We help clients explore options outside of super, including investment lending, tax-deferred income products, and ETF-based portfolios for cost-effective diversification Retirement and Estate Planning Alignment Changes to tax and super legislation should never be looked at in isolation. We assess their impact on: Your long-term income needs Binding death benefit nominations SMSF succession planning Collaborative Wealth Management We work alongside your accountant and solicitor to implement an integrated strategy that optimises capital gains and losses, leverages available concessions, and supports tax-efficient legacy. Stay Informed. Stay in Control. As we approach the 2025–2026 financial year, it’s critical to ensure your wealth strategy is future-ready. Now is the time to: Revisit your investment allocations Update your superannuation and contribution plans Start succession and estate planning discussions Speak to a professional before making reactive decisions Ready to talk tax and super strategy? Call our Toowoomba office today on (07) 4690 2588, or book a confidential consultation.
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