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BGL is proud to announce the release of the 2023 SMSF Annual Tax Return in its SMSF administration software solution, Simple Fund 360.

By In the Media, Industry, XU MagazineNo Comments

BGL is proud to announce the release of the 2023 SMSF Annual Tax Return in its SMSF administration software solution, Simple Fund 360.

“I am continually impressed with our Simple Fund 360 team,” said Ron Lesh, BGL’s Managing Director. “Since 1 January 2023, they have delivered 6 significant updates, including support for the 2023 SMSF Annual Return 6 weeks before the end of the financial year and even SBR electronic lodgment before 30 June 2023.”

Released on 18 May 2023, the Simple Fund 360 tax time update supports the 2023 SMSF Annual Tax Return, complete with all the required supporting schedules and electronic lodgment to the ATO from 1 July 2023. SBR electronic lodgment has also been switched on following ATO system updates. Support for newly registered funds and funds winding up for the 2023 Annual Return is also supported.

Introducing the BGL Executive Team!

By In the Media, Industry, XU MagazineNo Comments

Introducing the BGL Executive Team!

Today is a great day!

It is with much delight that I get to present to you the BGL Executive Team.

The BGL Executive Team comprises of 7 individuals of the highest calibre that will continue to deliver on the strategic and operational requirements of BGL. With a combined experience of 123 years, our products, clients and team could not be in better hands. Let me take a moment to introduce each of them. Here goes:

Nadine Freitag, People & Culture Manager at BGL
Nadine has been instrumental in building people and continuing to strengthen the BGL culture. Nadine has an amazing can-do attitude with an extraordinary commitment to the betterment of BGL. Nadine’s attitude and approach represent everything that makes BGL great.

Adriana Cavallo, Head of Customer Experience (APAC) at BGL
Loved and admired by countless in the industry, Adriana has had exposure to many parts of the BGL business, excelling in all areas. A focused and committed individual who is customer and experience-obsessed and is instrumental in delivering the BGL value proposition. Adriana’s journey is an example and inspiration to countless.

Warren Renden, Head of CAS 360 at BGL
With a relentless focus on product, team and client experience, Warren exceeds client expectations and industry standards. The work of Warren has touched thousands of BGL users. Passionate and determined in every sense, Warren is regarded as one of the industry greats. Warren represents BGL and advocates for clients across multiple external boards.

Jeevan Tokhi, Head of Simple Fund 360 at BGL
Jeevan is an inspiring individual with a broad range of experience who has the incredible capacity to make the complex simple. Jeevan is a strategic thinker with an incredible ability to deliver exceptional outcomes. Jeevan is respected in the industry for his profound impact, knowledge and professionalism. According to him, he is also one of the best-looking in the industry 😆

Ashley Avileli, Chief Technology Officer at BGL

Ashley joined BGL as an IT Administrator and is the most complete and knowledgeable IT professional that I know. Admired and respected for his can-do approach, Ashley and his team keep the BGL engine running—the backbone of BGL. We wouldn’t be where we are today without him.

Ron Lesh, Founder and Managing Director of BGL
Having started BGL in 1989, Ron’s impact and contribution in and across the industry continue to be profound. Ron’s commitment to building great products together with great people, teams and culture has been key to BGL’s success.

Daniel Tramontana, Chief Executive Officer at BGL
Well, this is awkward. I can’t get away with not including myself here. All I will say is that I am a grateful and passionate individual who loves all things BGL – products, clients and people.

As we venture into the next season of BGL, we are super excited about the opportunities ahead. We will continue to build great products. We will always do our best to deliver exceptional client experiences and moments.

We will do this with the highest level of gratitude and respect for the countless clients (some across 4 decades) who continue to support us with an unwavering belief that inspires us to be the best version of ourselves.

Thank you! ❤️

Compare n Save partners with BGL

By In the Media, Industry, The AdviserNo Comments

Written by Annie Kane
Published by The Adviser on 16 June 2023
Click here to read on The Adviser website

The mortgage broking fulfilment fintech has been selected to provide loan comparison solutions to BGL’s Simple Fund 360 and Simple Invest 360 clients.

Compare n Save, a fintech platform providing online broking services with traditional fulfilment capability, has partnered with corporate compliance software company BGL Corporate Solutions to help certain clients with loans.

BGL Corporate Solutions currently provides company compliance management, self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), and investment portfolio solutions to over 9,500 businesses, including major accounting firms, law firms, listed companies, private companies, financial planners, and many individual SMSF trustees.

As part of the integration, the loan comparison company will provide clients of BGL’s Simple Fund 360 (an AI-powered SMSF administration software) and of the investment portfolio management software Simple Invest 360 with a loan comparison solution via the Compare n Save app within their console screen or via the BGL Ecosystem.

Speaking of the integration, Sal Cinque, director of Compare n Save and chief executive of TAG Finance and Loans (a traditional mortgage broking fulfilment business), said that the Compare n Save tech will manage the entire lead-to-settlement journey, including appointment booking, lead tracking, reporting, CRM, online lodgement, and delivery of commercial terms.

“We provide site visitors with a hassle-free service to compare interest rates and special offers. The information is easily accessed, without the need to click through multiple screens or provide contact details before being served the desired information” Mr Cinque, who is also an nMB founding director, said.

“This builds a high level of trust with our visitors and leads to qualified inquiries. When our visitors are ready to proceed, our team of brokers manage the application process.

“In the case of our BGL integration, Compare n Save adds value to over 9,500 businesses in related industries, where advisers can quickly and easily assess potential savings for their clients and engage our fulfilment services.

“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.”

Ron Lesh, BGL’s managing director, commented that he was excited to add Compare n Save to the BGL Ecosystem and offer clients “a hassle-free and simple-to-use loan comparison solution that will add value to their customer service.”

Brad Wilkinson, head of BGL Ecosystem, added: “The BGL and Compare n Save integration will help advisers, accountants, and other BGL clients compare hundreds of loans from more than 30 of Australia’s top banks and other lenders (home, investment, and SMSF loans).

“It will also help clients easily structure debt for property purchases (owner-occupied, investment, and SMSF loans) 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.”

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.

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

By In the Media, Industry, XU MagazineNo Comments

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.”

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

By Australian FinTech, In the Media, IndustryNo Comments

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.”

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

By In the Media, Industry, XU MagazineNo Comments

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.

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

By Australian FinTech, In the Media, IndustryNo Comments

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.

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.”