This is an essay on the topic of my choice in relations to the current issues within financial services in Australia. The topic which i have chosen is : Inherent conflicts of interest are not being managed There will always be a conflict of interest within financial planning. The licensee and the financial adviser want to earn a living and make a profit. The client obviously wants to pay the lowest level of fees and commissions. A reasonable balance can be achieved where there is clear disclosure and the ability to compare across providers so that competition keeps client’s costs reasonable. However, this is not the case with financial planning and it is unlikely that any recommendations made from the various reviews will change this. There are so many layers of potential fees and charges and also ownership bias it is unlikely that clients can work their way though the disclosure to understand the full initial and ongoing costs of that advice. They would also be unable to determine such things as if they needed a Wrap facility and whether the costs of having one are worth any advantage. 1.5 spacing, 12 Font times new roman, page numbered single sided Marking criteria: * Topic is stated or clearly stated. * Aim is clearly stated and specific and measurable. * Literature Review *Discussion Results that are consistent with the literature. *How the project findings contribute to the literature. * Discussion of how deficiencies may be overcome. *Conclusion Presented a logical conclusion in relation to the aims and objectives of the project*. *Bibliography/ Presentation References are included and properly cited .